Russian fishing vessel Oleg Naydenov. (Photo: Greenpeace)
Shipwrecked Russian ship off Gran Canaria accused of illegal fishing
SPAIN
Friday, April 17, 2015, 02:20 (GMT + 9)
Shortly after the Russian-flagged fishing vessel Oleg Naydenov sank south of Gran Canaria after catching fire, allegations about its involvement in illegal fishing activities and revocation of its catch permits came into light.
According to the NGO Greenpeace, this 100 metre-long trawler had the fishing permits in Senegal revoked, as it is a country that had also accused it of overfishing pelagic resources in waters for which it lacked authorization.
It had also been reported to the European Commission (EC) for carrying out illegal fishing practices in areas of the world where commercial fishing was not allowed.
The ship sank to a depth of 2,400 metres, 24 kilometres (15 miles) south of Punta Maspalomas, after catching fire. Its 72 crew members were evacuated unharmed.
From Greenpeace it has been warned that at the moment there is a high risk of contamination due to the fuel it was carrying (over a thousand tonnes) and the possible release of heavy oil, electrical components or biocides painting.
Another NGO, Ecologists in Accion, agrees with Greenpeace on the fact that the attempt to move the Russian ship that had burned to the port of Las Palmas was "risky".
In addition, both groups warned of "possible negligence" for which they will hold the Ministry of Development accountable, ABC reported.
The two organizations claim to know about the procedure conducted by Maretime Authorities when towing a ship that is "seriously damaged" and loaded with 1,400 tonnes of heavy fuel out of Puerto de La Luz in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Although the Government of Canary Islands estimates that the danger of oil spill caused by a sinking ship is "small", Oceana argues that the impact of the sunken ship in the marine ecosystem can lead to "total loss" of rock sponges, crystal sponges, cold water coral, oysters and other resources living more than 100 years.
From Oceana it is expected the Executive acts to verify possible leaks and extracts the oil from the water using marine robots.
Meanwhile, the Office of Environment and Planning of Las Palmas announced it has initiated proceedings to investigate whether there has been a crime when the ship sank and the subsequent oil spill of the Russian fishing vessel.
Through a statement, the prosecutor stated that "immediate" reports had been required from Seprona and the Maritime Civil Guard as well as from the Maritime Authority of Las Palmas.
By Analia Murias
editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media
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