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19 March 2024

UAE gathering data on sunken ship off UAQ

Published
By Wam

Police in Umm Al Qaiwain have rescued to safety a crew of a ship that sank 11 nautical miles off the emirate's coast.

Dr Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, said a ministry technical team is currently gathering data on the location of the accident to analyse and identify the best methods to contain environmental impact, safely salvage the ship and offload its cargo - 450 tonnes of diesel, according to preliminary data.

The minister said the ship, dubbed the White Whale, is now settled 35 metres under the sea.

"The team is coordinating with other specialists and experts from federal and local authorities as well as the private sector to collect information about the size, age, wellbeing and location of the sunken ship so as to take necessary measures to protect the environment, breeding as well as habitats of marine species. Potential damage will also be assessed," the minister added.

He added the team is continuing its meetings around the clock and coordinating with other partners (Coast Guard and National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority) and other relevant agencies to monitor the situation closely.