Garden Route Fire and Rescue Services are managing a situation involving a 200-kilogram blue container of hazardous chemicals discovered washed ashore at Jongensfonteinstrand near Stilbaai in the Western Cape.

DRM Garden Route (GRDRM) has reassured the public that the sealed container poses no immediate threat and will be safely recovered by a specialized Hazmat Fire and Rescue Services team on 30 March.

Authorities are concerned that three additional containers may be adrift at sea in the vicinity or could wash ashore along the same coastline stretch. While it's unconfirmed whether these containers are missing, boaters and the public are advised not to approach any similar containers if spotted, but instead to contact GRDRM or dial the National Ambulance Emergency number.

No reports suggest that dangerous chemical containers are missing from ships at sea, but investigations continue. The container's origin is unknown and under investigation.

Multiple agencies have been alerted, including WC Government Health EMS, DRM, MRCC, Telkom Maritime Radio Services, SAMSA, Western Cape Fire and Rescue Services, SA Police Services, NSRI, and TNPA.

A safety appeal urges the public to avoid approaching any 200kg blue sealed containers found washed ashore or adrift at sea along the Garden Route or South Cape Coastline, and to report their location to Disaster Risk Management Garden Route or WC Government Health EMS.

‍