The Spanish authorities were Feb 20 seeking a solution to the situation of the Dutch freighter "Ostedijk" anchored off northwestern Spain with 6,000 tons of partly rotting fertilizer on board. The "Ostedijk" was located at about 20 kilometres off the Galicia region. It was attached to a Spanish rescue vessel which had towed it there. The freighter had been unable to pursue its journey from Norway towards Valencia in eastern Spain after the cargo of NPK 151515C - a common type of fertilizer - started decomposing.
Water was sprayed on the hold Monday to cool the cargo down, but the ship nevertheless continued releasing gases which were visible in the form of a white cloud. The crew were taken on board the Spanish rescue vessel. Several crew members including the captain have received medical treatment for irritated eyes and respiratory organs. Many of the crew members are Filipino nationals. Spain was waiting for the shipowner to propose a solution. The Spanish authorities say the gases released by the "Ostedijk" are not toxic and that the ship is not an environmental risk. They nevertheless do not intend to allow it to dock in a Spanish port.
