Irish coastal people warned to avoid container debris

THE Irish Coast Guard has warned people not to collect debris washed from containers lost at sea on a coastal run between Dublin and Cork, reported Raidio Teilifis Eireannm (RTE), the state broadcaster.

Officials said people might be tempted to take the cargo of firelogs, said RTE, adding that the logs may well be contaminated with a chemical that risks explosion if burnt and a skin irritation if handled.

The cargo comes from containers washed overboard early last week on a ship carrying firelogs, medical equipment and bird food. Containerised sodium bromate - a dangerous substance - was also aboard and now feared to have contaminated other cargo.

(Source: www.schednet.com)