Hazardous containers adrift near Port Elizabeth

The unidentified large cylindrical shaped object about 6m long and 2m in diameter that has washed up on the beach between the Kabeljous Beach and the Gamtoos River Mouth. (Rieghard van Rensburg, NSRI)

Port Elizabeth - A huge cylinder measuring 6m and with a diameter of 2m, has washed ashore near St Francis Bay and the maritime radio service is continuously broadcasting a shipping navigation warning about two similar containers reported to be adrift as well.

The NSRI's Craig Lambinon said the object, scratched and badly rusted, was in an area which wasn't easily accessible.

He said the NSRI would be taking officials from the SA Maritime Safety Authority to the scene for an inspection on Wednesday morning.

Earlier, Roland Williams of the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality said the incident was being treated as a marine safety issue.

He added, however, that people living along the coast should be made aware of the potential dangers.

Williams said the containers should, under no circumstances, be tampered with, because the contents are unknown.

He said should anyone see the missing containers or should they drift ashore, should immediately contact Port Control on 041 507 1911.

- News24