Indian Coast Guard seize chemical-laden drums from Arabian Sea

MUMBAI: The Indian Coast Guard recovered nine iron drums containing some chemical after they were sighted afloat in the Arabian Sea close to Mumbai.

During a routine air surveillance, the Coast Guard personnel in a helicopter yesterday sighted few iron drums floating in the sea, south west of Korlai Fort near Kashid Beach, about 50 kms from here.

On further reconnaissance, about 12 drums (200 litres barrel each) were sighted. The helicopter crew investigated the nearest coastline and noticed a few drums washed ashore.

In this regard, a Coast Guard ship named Achook, which was on coastal security patrol off Mumbai, was also diverted to ascertain the situation at the sea.

The Coast Guard team along with local police personnel of Revadanda reached the site and recovered nine drums along the shores of Barshivi, Kurali and Revadanda, a Coast Guard press release said.

The Coast Guard, in a joint effort with local police, were able to retrieve these drums and vigil is maintained for retrieval of the other drums afloat, it said.

Prima facie investigation revealed that the drums contained some kind of hydrocarbon product. Further probe is on, the release said.

Meanwhile, the ICG has alerted Joint Operations Centre, Coastal Security (Mumbai), IGP Konkan Range, IGP Coastal Security Maharashtra and Customs for investigation.