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Diesel-laden Ship Sinks off UAE Coast

Published Oct 26, 2011 2:12 PM by The Maritime Executive

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have announced that a ship laden with 450 tons of diesel fuel has sunk off of the Persian Gulf coast on Tuesday evening. 

WAM, UAE state news agency, reported that the minister of environment confirmed the sinking of the diesel-heavy ship called the White Whale, and said it sank 11 nautical miles off the coast of Umm al-Quwain emirate.  He claimed that the entire White Whale crew was rescued and safe, although did not disclose how many sailors there were. 

Officials are examining the site of the incident to determine a salvage operation and address any environmental impact the wreck could cause as the ship sits under 35 meters of water in the Persian Gulf. 

The UAE official did not specify if any diesel has already leaked from the White Whale, but said that teams including the Coast guard and National Crisis & Emergency Management Authority to monitor the site.