Alert in France: a ship sank with 45 containers carrying hazardous materials

A huge oil spill ten kilometers long and wide approaching the French coast after the sinking of the Italian ship "Grande America" ​​which sank Tuesday in front of La Rochelle.

"There is a risk, everything must be done to reduce it and the impact of pollution on our coasts," said Minister of Ecological Transition François de Rugy on Thursday at BFMTV.

Authorities have ordered the mobilization of Brest (northwest) of the ship "BSAA Argonaute", specializing in the fight against pollution that is expected to reach the region today, about 200 kilometers from the coast of France.

The government of Emmanuel Macron has also asked for ways to fight against pollution at the European Agency for Maritime Safety (EMSA).

[[[[# GrandeAmérique]Images of the oil slick from the maritime patrol aircraft @Navy it extends south 10 km long and 1 km wide. @SGMer @Navy @EMSA_LISBON @FdeRugy @douane_france @ CedreBrest @SecCivileFrance @MarinsPompiers @Min_Ecologie pic.twitter.com/bIcLFL6liv

– Premar Atlantic (@premaratlant) March 14, 2019

"According to our forecasts, fragments could reach areas of New Aquitaine [oeste y suroeste de Francia] Sunday or Monday, "said de Rugy.

On Wednesday, Vice-Admiral Jean-Louis Lozier, vice-admiral of the Atlantic, said that the "Great America", owned by the Grimaldi group, was carrying 365 containers, 45 of which with dangerous goods 70 tons. sulfuric acid and about 2,000 vehicles.

However, according to Lozier, the main danger lies in the 2,200 tons of fuel oil. Acting chemicals, he said that "dissolution in the ocean space would have no serious consequences for the environment" and he explained that it is likely that a large part of these products has already been burned in the fire of the ship.

The "Grande America", a 214-meter long container ship, was coming from Hamburg (Germany) and heading for Casablanca (Morocco) when the fire broke out on Sunday. The 27 people on board were rescued on Monday and the ship sank on Tuesday afternoon. It has dropped to a depth of 4,600 meters, which could complicate pumping operations.

Source: TN

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