Weird things happened in the Gujarat coastline on Sunday when strange containers sauntered by the coast towards Dwarka and Sutrapada. The unexpected delivery of these containers at the sea has got locals wondering, and authorities are concerned because they are currently exploring the origin and what these containers contain.
As eyewitnesses explain, fishermen and residents spotted the containers in the waters off the coast early in the morning. Others were observed stranded at the edge of the coastline, whilst others were swept along with the tide. Immediately, local villagers alerted the police and district administration based on fear that the containers might have hazardous and illegal materials.
The sites were soon followed by teams of the police, coast guard, and the customs department to seal the area. The authorities have roped off some parts of the beach to usher the masses away to the containers. We have both taken precautionary measures and informed higher-ups. Contents of the containers will be scrutinized, an official said.
Preliminary estimates indicate that the containers could have fallen off-loading vessels in the Arabian Sea. Such accidents happen not rare in rough weather or in handling. In recent history, such containers that looked like those found off the coasts of Gujarat have contained a variety of items, such as consumer products, as well as raw materials used in the industries. Hazardous cargo or contraband cannot be ruled out, though, authorities say.
Security is also maintaining a tight vigil, as strategically speaking, the Gujarat coastline is extremely important. In light of a number of international shipping channels that pass close to them, the emergence of these containers is being accorded with care. Besides safety and security, experts say there is the aspect of pollution of the environment, where cargo spillage may extend to marine life and the local fishing industry.
The local people of Dwarka and Sutrapada have been asked to avoid the areas until the containers can be sealed and transported to be examined. We are following the situation. Under no circumstances should people attempt to open such containers or even contact them themselves, said a senior police official.
They are investigating the source of the cargo and whether it was in any ship that in the recent past has reported mishaps or missing containers, or not. Once the inspection process is over, authorities are meant to give an official statement.
At this point, the undisclosed landing of these containers has been the target of conversation of the coastal towns, both physically evoking interest and alarm.
