Regulators Act Fast to Mitigate Possible Environmental Contamination
COPENHAGEN: A vessel carrying around 20,000 litres of diesel oil sank off the coast of Greenland Thursday, provoking an immediate response from local authorities as they scramble to prevent potential environmental damage to the fragile Arctic ecosystem.
The ship ran aground off Nanortalik at around 1:45 AM, impounding considerable water and eventually sinking at around 7:00 AM, according to reports from Greenland police. The 30 metres (98 feet) long ship was carrying about 15,000 to 20,000 litres of diesel fuel, and 1,000 litres of engine oil.
Though the name and type of the vessel are still not known, the authorities have started their mechanisms to control the pollution if the diesel catches fire.
They are currently using a pump and have installed floating booms in a 50-meter perimeter around the site to trap any such spill.
Everyone on board was rescued and though the number of people and their nationalities are not known yet.Green authorities report on the situation and will update further. The accident once more casts attention to the required focus that the Arctic environment should be protected from oil spills and other hazards.
Diesel carrying ship sinks off Greenland’s coast
Ship Carrying 20,000 Litres of Diesel Sinks Off Greenland’s Coast. Authorities Work to Contain Potential Environmental Spill. Several references to the article regarding the ship sinking and environmental degradation.