Chemical tanker in trouble off French coast
BREST, France
There was no visible pollution in the water surrounding the
120-meter (131-yard) ship, which was constructed in 2008 and was
sailing under a Maltese flag, the maritime prefecture in the French
city of Brest said. Its 13 crew members were evacuated by
helicopter to a nearby air base.
A tow boat was in place, along with a French Navy frigate.
Officials were waiting for more details on exactly what kind of
solvent it carried before having an investigation team board the
tanker or launch an operation to tow it.
Authorities believe the tanker collided with another boat but
are waiting to interview the two ships' captains to learn more.
The YM URANUS cargo ship, is carrying 6,000 metric tons (6,600
tons) of solvent. It was located 100 kilometers (60 miles)
southwest of the island of Ouessant on Friday. It had been
traveling from Porto Marghera in Italy to Rotterdam in the
Netherlands.
