Massive container ship part washes ashore in Bhatkal, coast guard launches investigation
Bhatkal: A large part of a container ship drifted ashore at Jali beach in Bhatkal taluk during the early hours of Tuesday. The container, estimated to be around 70 metres in length, is believed to be part of a vessel belonging to the Cochin Shipyard, according to preliminary findings.
Officials from the Indian Coast Guard stated that initial investigations suggest the detached part is linked to Cochin Shipyard. Strong winds and rough sea conditions are suspected to have caused the vessel’s anchor to break loose, leading to the structure drifting ashore. “Wind pressure and turbulent sea activity might be the cause, but further investigation is necessary to confirm the exact reason,” said a senior Coast Guard officer.
There is currently no clarity on whether the container holds any cargo. Authorities have assured that necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the coastal area and prevent any environmental impact. A team from Cochin Shipyard is expected to arrive shortly to inspect and remove the structure, sources said.
The incident has drawn large crowds to Jali Koodi beach, with hundreds of locals gathering to witness the rare sight. Coast Guard personnel and local police have visited the site and carried out inspections.
Local fishermen described the event as unusual. “Such incidents are rare, though occasionally, during high winds at sea, parts of vessels can get dislodged. However, it’s surprising to see such a massive container wash ashore,” one fisherman said.
Security arrangements have been made at the site, and movement around the container has been restricted. Authorities are on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents. Further details regarding the origin of the container and the exact cause of the incident will be known after a full investigation.
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EC orders probe into voting by foreigners in TN polls, 10 held in Chennai
Chennai (PTI): The Election Commission has ordered a probe into the allegations of foreign nationals "deceitfully" voting in the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, an official said on Saturday.
The EC's action follows a report submitted by the police recently after they arrested ten foreign nationals who attempted to board a flight. The airport officials became suspicious when they noticed indelible ink on their index fingers and alerted the police.
The Chennai police said ten foreign nationals were arrested in nine cases for allegedly casting votes in the Tamil Nadu 2026 Assembly polls. They were detained at the Chennai and Madurai airports. Police enquiry revealed that these nationals were from Sri Lanka, the UK and Canada.
"They had used fraudulent Indian ID documents to cast the votes. The indelible ink was noticed on their fingers when they attempted to fly out," the police official said.
The police Central Crime Branch registered cases and is probing, the official said and added that as per EC rules, an overseas elector must be a citizen of India who has not acquired citizenship in any other country. Those who have renounced Indian citizenship are barred from voting.
Non-Resident Indians can register to vote under Section 20A of the Representation of the People Act and they are required to produce their original Indian passport at the polling booth, he added.
