The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has issued a warning to residents along the Garden Route and South Cape coastline regarding the recent discovery of a blue container that washed ashore.
The 200kg container, believed to contain a dangerous chemical, was found along Jongensfonteinstrand near Stilbaai on March 29th.
NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, stated that the fire and rescue services in the Garden Route are currently handling the hazardous container. He confirmed that the sealed container poses no immediate risk and will be recovered by a hazardous materials (hazmat) fire and rescue services team on Saturday.
However, there is concern that three additional containers may be adrift at sea or washed ashore along the coastline. Lambinon explained that a 200kg blue container is typically carried in a pallet of four containers, but it has not been confirmed whether the other three containers are missing or still at sea.
The origin of the container remains unknown and is currently under investigation. There have been no reports of any dangerous chemical containers missing from any ships at sea.
Authorities are urging boaters and the public not to approach the container if spotted, but rather to immediately contact the disaster risk management call center at 044 805 5071 or the national ambulance emergency at 10177.
 has issued a warning about a hazardous container that washed ashore along the Garden Route coastline. The container, believed to contain a dangerous chemical, poses no immediate risk but authorities are urging the public to exercise caution. Read more about the ongoing investigation and what to do if you spot the container.){kind=link}