Stora Korsnas Link I
1991
UK
Europe
Packaged
HNS Spilt
Sodium chlorateSolid
NaClO3
Amount Spilt (T)40
CAS Number2146053
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Physical Behaviour (SEBC code)
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-
Pollution Category (MARPOL Annex 2)
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5.1
Class according to IMDG code
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-
Subsidiary Risk Class according to IMDG code
-
Classification as Marine Pollutant
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iv
HNS Classification (2010 HNS Convention)
Fate and weathering facts observed/reported
This chemical is a powerful oxidizer and potentially explosive and represented a real danger. On the lower deck 40 tonnes of sodium chlorate was stowed within two containers. When this was found out the ship was quickly abandoned. A one-mile exclusion zone was established and the salvage tugs left the scene. However, after sometime a decision was taken to make a new attempt to save the cargo and a vessel with firefighting equipment was sent to the scene. Water was pumped onto the exterior of the ship in order to achieve control of the fire. The attempt was unsuccessful and the fire spread to the other cargo decks during the following days. Three days later, an explosion occurred close to the containers with sodium chlorate and it blew out the side of the ship causing the ship to roll over and capsize. After a few hours the ship sank at a depth of 40 metres.