Grounded vessel leaks fuel off Norway

31/07/09 13:32 CET

Accident

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A Chinese-owned freighter is leaking fuel after running aground near Lagesund off the Norwegian coast.

The accident happened during stormy conditions overnight. The “Full City” was carrying more than one thousand tonnes of fuel.

Rescue officials say 16 sailors have been evacuated from the vessel and seven remain on the ship. The entire crew are Chinese nationals.

The area affected is the North Sea coastline in southern Norway – which a popular holiday area in summer.

The World Wildlife Fund says the spill could affect a large number of birds from a nearby sanctuary.

It’s calling for volunteers to help in the clean-up effort.

Rescue officials have called on the company operating the tanker, Hong Kong-based Cosco, to put pressure on the captain to abandon the vessel.

Coast guard reports indicate the ship will not survive the events.