Palghar police have intensified surveillance along Maharashtra’s Konkan coastline following a warning from the Directorate General of Shipping about 48 containers that fell from the cargo ship MV Phonnix 15 in the Arabian Sea, with some potentially drifting toward shore. The alert, issued on Monday, August 18, 2025, comes after the vessel, en route from Jebel Ali, UAE, to Karachi, Pakistan, lost the containers approximately 20 nautical miles off Salah, Oman, on August 15, 2025, likely due to rough monsoon seas.

Of the 48 containers, eight have been recovered, while the remaining 40 are either submerged or suspected to be drifting toward India’s western coast, including Palghar’s 112-km shoreline. The MV Phonnix 15, a Panamanian-flagged general cargo ship, was carrying mixed cargo, including chemicals and industrial materials, raising concerns about environmental and navigational hazards if the containers wash ashore. Palghar’s marine and bay police stations—Safala, Kelva, Satpati, Tarapur, Wangaon, Dahanu, and Gholwad—have been directed to maintain heightened vigilance, with instructions to report any sightings of floating containers or debris to the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Palghar’s police control room immediately.

The alert coincides with heavy monsoon rains battering the region, complicating coastal patrols amid high tides and rough seas. Local fishermen and coastal villagers have been urged to stay alert and report any suspicious objects, as the containers pose risks to fishing boats and could disrupt the region’s vibrant fishing industry, particularly in Dahanu, known for its chickoo production and tribal communities. The officer-in-charge of Palghar’s security branch has been tasked with coordinating rapid responses to any sightings, with contact details shared for immediate communication.

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This incident follows a pattern of maritime alerts in Maharashtra, with recent reports of suspicious boats off Palghar and Raigad raising security concerns. In coordination with central maritime agencies, including the Navy and Coast Guard, Palghar police are employing drones and increased foot patrols to monitor the coastline, ensuring both safety and security. Authorities have also appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information, emphasizing ongoing efforts to mitigate risks as the search for the missing containers continues.

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