Environment: Cargo ship spill threatens Madagascar

Radio Netherlands - A Turkish ship which got into difficulties off the south coast of Madagascar has shed diesel, oil and phosphate. The Gulser Ana had 39,000 tonnes of phosphate on board.

The Madagascan newspaper L'Express reports that at least 383,000 litres of diesel, 7000 litres of oil and waste water, and part of the phosphate have already leaked into the sea.

For the last couple of days, oil and dead fish have been washed up on Madagascar's southern coast, near Cap Sainte Marie. The coastline, an important site for turtles, has been a protected area for decades.

The reason the ship got into difficulties is not yet known. Its crew members have been taken off the stricken vessel.

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