Sunken MV ITT Puma Ship’s Cargo-Laden Containers Wash Ashore Odisha’s Beach

Two massive cargo containers from a sinking ship washed ashore on Satabhaya Beach in Odisha’s Kendrapara district on September 2, 2024.

The containers, carrying various household goods, were identified as belonging to ITT Lines Private Limited, a Kolkata-based logistics company.

The MV ITT Puma, a general cargo vessel registered in Mumbai, sank last Monday around 90 nautical miles south of Sagar Island in West Bengal while en route from Kolkata to Port Blair.

The incident occurred during stormy weather, which is thought to have caused the containers to drift ashore in the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Rajnagar block.

The residents were hesitant to approach or open the containers. However, after some time, they opened the boxes and informed the authorities.

The containers were discovered to contain various goods, including mustard oil, mats, food, silverware, electronics, clothing, and other household items. Residents of the nearby Magarakandha village reportedly took many of the goods before police and forest officials arrived.

Upon receiving the alert, local police and forest department officials went to the location, sealed off the area, and cautioned the people to maintain a safe distance from the containers due to potential risks.

Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Bhitarkanika National Park, stated that most of the stuff in the containers had been washed away by sea waves, leaving the doors wide open. He expressed concern that the cargo might harm the ecosystem since the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is the world’s largest rookery for Olive Ridley sea turtles. The containers’ items, which include chemicals, oils, plastics, and other contaminants, could impact the marine environment.

Authorities are still investigating the contents of the containers and their potential environmental impact.

The Indian Coast Guard rescued the 11 crew members from the MV ITT Puma, which sank last Monday. The rescued crew members were safely transported to Paradip.

Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area until all potential threats have been assessed and mitigated.

Reference: OdishaBytes, New Indian Express

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