Spain says 'No' To Fumes Ship Entering Port

The cargo vessel OSTEDIJK is reported to have been boarded by a team of Spanish experts in a bid to make safe a cargo of fertiliser that had begun to react in her holds causing illness to her crew.

Although the ship is said not to pose any environmental risks, Spain has refused the vessel entry to any port, with officials saying she would be moved to a 'protected area' where the temperature in the hold would be lowered to stop further decomposition of the cargo.

The vessel is operated by Navigia Groep, a Netherlands company.

She is carrying 6000 tons of Norwegian made fertiliser, say news reports and that the cargo started to react as she made her way to Valencia. Four Filipinos out of her crew of 12 were said to have suffered irritation to their eyes and respiration after inhaling the fumes. It is believed the gases are only toxic in enclosed spaces.

The seamen were taken to hospital at the weekend but only stayed briefly for treatment.

The ship had been given clearance to move on on Sunday, but a storm caused the gases to enter crew accommodation and the engine room. A Spanish rescue vessel has towed the vessel to a position 11 kilometres from the shore.