A cargo ship carrying 23 containers of zinc powder contaminated with radioactive material remains stranded off the Philippine coast, unable to dock or unload its cargo after being refused entry by Indonesian authorities and denied access to Manila Port.

The director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute stated that the vessel is currently anchored at sea, with no port or local authority agreeing to receive the containers for temporary storage or processing. Port authorities will not permit the ship to dock or unload unless a designated storage area for the hazardous cargo is identified. He clarified that the materials pose no immediate danger to the public, as radiation levels outside the containers are low and the crew members are in good health.

The zinc powder contaminated with the cesium-137 isotope was exported from the Philippines to Indonesia by Zannwann International Trading in Manila. Indonesian officials detected radiation and ordered the shipment returned to the Philippines. The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute traced the materials to Philippine-based Asia Steel Manufacturing Corporation and another unnamed local steel company, though Asia Steel Manufacturing Corporation denied involvement.

The Philippine government is currently seeking a secure location to store or bury the containers and has established an interagency committee involving the Environment, Health, Defense, and Local Government departments to investigate.

The Philippine Ports Authority has referred inquiries to the Bureau of Customs, which has not yet commented.