The Tunisian Ministry of the Environment assured that all measures would be taken to prevent an environmental disaster. The environmental organization WWF has warned of a new ecological catastrophe in the region.
After the sinking of a freighter loaded with large amounts of fuel, rescue teams continue their efforts off the coast of Tunisia to recover it. Divers have already discovered traces of oil in the sea, as the presidency announced on Monday. However, the fuel comes from the ship’s engine – not the cargo. The situation is still under control.
However, divers also discovered several points on the wreck where quick intervention is needed to prevent leaks and avoid an environmental disaster. Other countries also offered help. According to Tunisian Transport Minister Rabie Majidi, fuel from the freighter will be extracted. He said the circumstances of the accident are being investigated.
According to the government, the ship was en route from the Egyptian port city of Damietta to Malta. She carried around 750 tons of diesel. On Friday, it was in danger from bad weather and sank in the Gulf of Gabès, about seven kilometers off the coast of Tunisia. The crew of seven were rescued on board after water also entered the engine room. Crew members were taken into custody for questioning.
The Tunisian Ministry of the Environment has assured that all measures will be taken to prevent an environmental disaster in the North African country. Among other things, booms must prevent any fuel leaks from spreading into the water.
The island of Djerba, popular with tourists, is also located in the Gulf of Gabès. The environmental organization WWF has warned of a new ecological catastrophe in the region. The area has been exposed to chemical pollution for decades anyway. These come from factories located there.
(APA)