Palghar, Maharashtra: An unidentified shipping container was discovered on the shores of Rajodi-Kalamb Beach in Vasai on Tuesday morning, sparking concern and swift response from local authorities.
The large object was first spotted by beachgoers around 9:00 am, who immediately alerted lifeguards stationed nearby. With no observation towers installed along this stretch of the coastline, it took considerable time for rescue personnel and officials to assess the situation and confirm the nature of the object.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for surveillance infrastructure along the Vasai coastline, a demand that locals claim has been repeatedly raised with the authorities but remains unaddressed.
Due to high tide conditions, approaching the container by boat initially proved difficult. However, port officials and the local police made efforts to reach the site and inspect the container.
According to preliminary information shared by the police, the Indian Navy had previously issued a warning about a lost container suspected to have fallen off a cargo vessel traveling from Karachi, Pakistan to China.
Navy intelligence had earlier alerted coastal states, including Maharashtra, that the container may drift towards the western Maharashtra coastline or the southern Gujarat region between July 20 and 21. The Navy had also instructed local agencies to remain vigilant for any suspicious floating objects matching this description.
By late morning, coordinated efforts led to the container being secured. Port Inspector Navneet Nizai confirmed that the container was successfully retrieved and brought under control. Authorities are now working to further inspect and identify its contents.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over maritime safety and coastal monitoring. Locals and civic activists are once again demanding that the state government install proper watchtowers and surveillance systems along Vasai’s frequently visited beaches to ensure quicker response in similar situations in the future.
