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Lifeboat washed ashore
On Oct 18 the lifeboat of the 'Vera Su' broke lose and has been washed ashore by the waves caused by the strong winds in the region. There were no reports of oil pollution for the moment. The operations for the discharging of on board cargo and the salvage of the vessel were planned to commence as soon as the weather conditions allowed safe operations.
Higher levels of ammonium-nitrogen measured around wreck
Samples of water near the 'Vera Su' showed levels of ammonium-nitrogen seven times above permissible values, the Environment and Waters Ministry said on Oct 17. Much of the ship’s fuel has been removed, but most of the cargo remained aboard, while reports have said that the vessel has been sinking lower into the water. The Environment Ministry said that on Oct 16, three samples were taken from the water near the ship, from a point 60 meters south of the vessel and from a point near its bow. The ministry has notified the Maritime Administration agency and the regional co-ordination staff of the results of the water sampling. On Oct 16 the Environment Ministry reported that, acting on a report from the Border Police on Oct 15, it had identified a slick where the ammonium-nitrogen level was three times higher than previously. However, the Maritime Agency said on Oct 16 that the slick had dispersed and, given the rough seas hitting the ship, amid bad weather such slicks were to be expected. The Environment Ministry was continuing to monitor the state of the waters near the ship on a daily basis. On Oct 17 it was reported that the Transport Ministry said that it was ready with a recovery plan, but was waiting for an answer from the Environment Ministry as to what to do about the cargo. Pending this response and at an appropriate time, the Transport Ministry was ready to proceed with unloading the ship. Suitable weather conditions for this were expected on Oct 19.
Divers investigating hull
A team of divers investigates possible leaks in the hull of the 'Vera SU' on the rocks near the Yayla nature reserve, which is home to numerous protected species of birds, as well as endangered marine species. To date, the ship was in a stable position, and the situation was under control, the country's Emergency Rescue Directorate announced. There were no indications of any spillage around the ship, neither of fuel or lubricants nor of residues or remnants of cargo. Greenpeace, however, assured that the analyzes of the water in the area indicated the presence of contamination, with levels of nitrogen compounds close to those that would be in a city sewer. Although the weather conditions were improving in the area, cargo removal operations have been postponed for days, largely due to disputes with the owner of the ship. The investigations have concluded that the grounding occurred due to the negligence of the duty officer, who fell asleep at the helm. Both the captain and the second on board were currently in preventive detention. The prosecution accuses both of causing an accident, causing significant damage and endangering the lives of other people. Report with video: https://es.euronews.com/2021/10/14/preocupacion-en-bulgaria-tras-el-naufragio-de-un-barco-con-fertilizantes-nitrogenados
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