The state governments of Goa, Kerala and Karnataka have been alerted by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) of a possible oil spill after around 110 barrels were seen floating near the Maharashtra coast.
According to an NDTV report, the iron drums had a capacity of 200 litres and were found during surveillance, in the Konkan region, 135 kms from Mumbai.
"These drums were first sighted off Kashid beach and since then coastal and local police stations are reporting recovery of drums up to Vengurla (Maharashtra) coast," the report quotes ICG's PRO Commandant Akshay Jain's letter to the states.
The drums reportedly contain a Hydrocarbon product (oil), which may be poisonous to humans if inhaled or ingested. Where the drums originated from, is still a mystery. All the state governments have taken precautions accordingly.
Read the full report here.