Environment groups say toxic ship headed to India

(June 03, 2011) Environment activists warned Thursday that a cargo ship suspected of having toxic material on board was headed to India to be dismantled at a shipyard in the western state of Gujarat. The ``Gulf Jash'' is in the Indian Ocean on its way to India after it was turned away by Vietnam and Bangladesh, said Gopal Krishna of the environmental group Toxic Watch Alliance. The ship is laden with asbestos, toxic PCBs, fuel and chemical residues, according to Krishna, who said he has been tracking it since 2006, when its owner first started trying to find a place to dismantle it despite the hazardous materials onboard. Indian authorities have said they are awaiting a report from the Gujarat government before making a decision on whether to allow it to enter Indian waters. The ship's owner, U.S.-based Global Marketing System, could not immediately be reached for comment. India has one of the world's largest industries for breaking down old ships and oil tankers, but like most countries it does not accept ships with toxic materials. However, lax enforcement of laws mean ships with toxic materials are accepted for dismantling by unscrupulous contractors and tens of thousands of labourers, working with bare hands or minimal protection are exposed to deadly hazardous substances.