NOAA warns of oil pollution threat from shipwrecks

A report presented by to the U.S. Coast Guard by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says thirty-six sunken vessels that have rested on the U.S. seafloor for decades represent a potential threat to marine resources, Ship & Bunker reports.

NOAA recommended assessment and potential removal of bunkers and oil cargo from 17 of the ships.

"This report is the most comprehensive assessment to date of the potential oil pollution threats from shipwrecks in U.S. waters," said Lisa Symons, resource protection coordinator for NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

"Now that we have analyzed this data, the Coast Guard will be able to evaluate NOAA's recommendations and determine the most appropriate response to potential threats."

Read in full: http://shipandbunker.com/news/am/451242-us-agency-warns-of-pollution-danger-from-old-wrecks