A canister of toxic fumigation chemicals similar to this one has been recovered after it went missing in November. Photo: Southern Ports
After an extensive search for a canister of a toxic chemical, it has turned up a short distance from where it disappeared two months ago.
Southern Ports and Fintran Australia have confirmed the missing canister of Fumitoxin, inadvertently dropped overboard from the MV Century Shanghai in Esperance, has been located on a neighbouring beach.
Community members found the 1.5-kilogram unopened canister on the rocks near Port Beach on Friday January 10 and notified Southern Ports.
Signs had been placed in the area with photos of the canister advising what to do if found.
Southern Ports chief executive Keith Wilks said it was a good outcome and thanked the community members who contacted Southern Ports.
“We have been working closely with Fintran Australia, CBH, Shire of Esperance and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to locate the canister,” Mr Wilks said.
“This is an extremely rare occurrence, and we’re pleased the unopened canister is now accounted for, and grateful to the local community members who notified us when they found it.”
The canister was last seen when it fell overboard from the MV Century Shanghai into Port of Esperance waters on Saturday November 9 during a routine fumigation conducted by Fintran Australia. A Southern Ports spokesperson said the canister remained intact, and Fintran Australia had transported it back to its facility where it had been thoroughly checked for damage.
