Tunisia’s distressed diesel ship could cause environmental catastrophe AFP
According to a statement by the environment ministry, Friday night’s bad weather caused the Xelo merchant ship to request entry into Tunisian waters.
The Equatorial Guinea-flagged ship, which was heading from Egypt’s port of Damietta, to the European island of Malta began taking water at seven kilometres (over 4 miles) offshore in Tunisia’s southeast Gulf of Gabes. The engine room was then engulfed.
The ministry said that seven members of the crew were evacuated from the ship by Tunisian authorities.
The environment ministry said that the defense, interior and transport ministries were working to prevent “a marine environmental catastrophe in the region and minimize its impact” and that the situation was under control.
AFP was unable reach a spokesperson for more details.
According to the environment ministry, the ship’s condition was alarming and it had established an “urgent national intervention program” to prevent a disaster.
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