In the aftermath of a maritime mishap, around 100 containers from a cargo ship, carrying hazardous and non-hazardous goods, are suspected to have fallen into the sea off the Kerala coast.

The vessel had a total of 643 containers, including 13 carrying calcium carbide, 46 with hydrazine-based plastic and one with a rubber compound, besides others containing wood, cloth and fruits. Notably, 73 containers were empty.

As per reports, plastic nurdles (tiny plastic pellets used in manufacturing) have already started washing up on the shores of Thiruvananthapuram, raising environmental concerns.

To address the immediate fallout, the Kerala government will provide temporary relief to affected fishing families in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam. Each family will receive Rs 1,000 and 6 kg of free rice as part of a relief package.

Officials confirmed that containers holding calcium carbide sank due to their weight and currently pose no immediate threat to marine life or seafood safety. However, thorough inspections are ongoing.

The State Disaster Management Authority has issued guidelines for managing spilled containers and plastic nurdles.

The Director General of Shipping held a meeting on Thursday with the Chief Secretary of Kerala, deciding that all recovered containers will be handed over to Customs. So far, 20 have been submitted; the remaining will be taken to Kollam.

Additionally, MSC Company, the ship’s operator, held discussions with the state to assess the environmental impact, fisherfolk livelihood loss and tourism damage.

Demands have been made for the complete removal of the ship from Kerala’s coast. Fuel extraction from the vessel is scheduled for June 3, while container recovery efforts will resume post-monsoon.

Deputy Nautical Advisor Captain Aneesh Joseph has been assigned to assist Kerala’s government in this effort, particularly in managing compensation claims and overseeing maritime recovery operations.