Thiruvananthapuram: The recent shipwreck off the Kochi coast has impacted ordinary fishing communities, and temporary relief will be provided to them, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. The Chief Minister announced that fishermen families affected in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam would each be given ₹1,000 and 6 kg of rice as part of the free ration. He added that the shipwreck had been declared a special state disaster and that a review of the current situation had been held in consultation with the Director General of Shipping.

Earlier, heavy rains had caused widespread damage across various parts of the state. It was during this period that the cargo ship met with an accident in the Arabian Sea. The shipwreck triggered serious concern across Kerala. As soon as the incident was reported, alerts were issued to the public and fishing communities. The vessel completely sank on May 25. It was carrying 643 containers, of which 73 were empty. Thirteen containers held Calcium Carbide, while 46 contained hydrazine, a plastic component. Other containers were loaded with timber, fruits, textiles and similar items. It is estimated that around 100 containers may have fallen into the sea. On May 26, an emergency meeting was held to assess the situation. Officials initiated discussions with international experts the same day.

At present, 54 containers have washed ashore along the coasts of Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. In Thiruvananthapuram, small plastic pellets known as nurdles have accumulated on the coast. The government has launched clean-up operations, and drone surveys have been completed in the affected areas. Talks have been held with the shipping company. The state will need to assess environmental damage, loss of livelihood, and impact on tourism. The government has also demanded that the ship be completely removed from Kerala’s coast. The State Disaster Management Authority has issued detailed guidelines on handling the containers and the nurdles. The Coast Guard and other agencies have joined the response efforts.

The challenges faced by coastal communities in the aftermath of the incident were also discussed. Fisherfolk have been advised to avoid fishing within 20 nautical miles of the coast. The Chief Minister urged the public not to fall prey to speculation.

He also stated that there is currently no reason to stop consuming fish. If plastic or oil washes ashore, detailed instructions will be issued for clean-up. Fishermen have been strictly instructed not to load into their boats any materials found floating in the sea or caught in nets. It is believed that the containers holding Calcium Carbide sank due to their weight, and hence, there is no immediate danger.

All recovered containers are being handed over to the Customs, and 20 have been transferred so far, the Chief Minister added.