Container with hazardous chemicals washes ashore near Stilbaai

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Garden Route Fire and Rescue Services are currently handling a situation involving a 200-kilogram blue container of dangerous chemicals that was discovered washed ashore at Jongensfonteinstrand, along the South Cape Coastline near Stilbaai in the Western Cape.

DRM (Disaster Risk Management) Garden Route (GRDRM) has assured the public that the sealed container poses no immediate threat and will be safely recovered on 30 March by a specialized Hazmat (Hazardous Materials) Fire and Rescue Services team.

There are concerns, however, that three additional containers may be adrift at sea in the vicinity or could potentially wash ashore along the same stretch of coastline.

While it hasn't been confirmed whether three containers are indeed missing or still at sea, authorities urge boaters and the public to refrain from approaching any similar containers if spotted. Instead, they should immediately contact GRDRM at Tel: 0448055071 or dial the National Ambulance Emergency number 10177.

At present, there are no reports indicating missing dangerous chemical containers from any ships at sea, though investigations are ongoing.

The origin of the container remains unknown and is under investigation.

Multiple agencies including WC Government Health EMS Metro Control, DRM, MRCC, Telkom Maritime Radio Services, SAMSA, Western Cape Fire and Rescue Services, SA Police Services, NSRI, and TNPA have been alerted to the situation.

A safety appeal is issued to the public, urging them not to approach any 200kg blue sealed containers found washed ashore or adrift at sea along the Garden Route or South Cape Coastline. If such a container is spotted, individuals are requested to immediately contact Disaster Risk Management Garden Route at 0448055071 or WC Government Health EMS at 10177 to report its position and location.