started · updated
German U-864 wreck off Norway poses mercury leak risk
The wreck of the German World War II submarine U-864, located approximately 150 meters below the surface off the Norwegian island of Fedje, poses a significant environmental threat due to its cargo of mercury. Historical records suggest the vessel was carrying between 65 and 67 tonnes of the toxic metal, intended for the Japanese armaments industry, when it was sunk by the British submarine HMS Venturer on February 9, 1945.
Recent investigations by the Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket) using remote-operated vehicles have revealed advanced degradation of the hull. Some reports indicate that up to 80 percent of analyzed containers were actively leaking mercury into the surrounding sediment. This poses a risk of mercury entering the marine food chain, potentially converting into highly toxic methylmercury.
Norwegian authorities are weighing two primary options: attempting to recover the material or constructing an underwater sarcophagus to permanently enclose the wreck in sand and rock. Experts warn that a full recovery attempt is highly risky, as the movement of the corroded hull could trigger explosions from remaining torpedoes, leading to a more widespread release of toxins.
Entities
Fedje · HMS Venturer · HMS Venturer · Japan · Kystverket · Kystverket · Norway · U-864 · U-864
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Recent surveys indicate that 80 percent of analyzed containers were actively leaking mercury. vecer.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Attempting to salvage the submarine could cause torpedoes to explode and release more mercury. www.harzkurier.de · www.ikz-online.de · vecer.mk
- [● 5 SOURCES] The German U-864 was sunk by the British submarine HMS Venturer on February 9, 1945. cafef.vn · www.euronews.com · revistaforum.com.br · soha.vn · www.tportal.hr
- [● 5 SOURCES] All 73 people on board the U-864 were killed during the sinking. cafef.vn · www.euronews.com · revistaforum.com.br · soha.vn · www.tportal.hr
- [● 5 SOURCES] The U-864 was carrying between 65 and 67 tonnes of mercury intended for Japan. cafef.vn · www.euronews.com · revistaforum.com.br · soha.vn · www.tportal.hr
- [● 5 SOURCES] The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 150 meters off the island of Fedje, Norway. cafef.vn · www.euronews.com · revistaforum.com.br · soha.vn · www.tportal.hr
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket) is conducting assessments of the wreck using remote-operated vehicles. cafef.vn · revistaforum.com.br · soha.vn · www.tportal.hr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Authorities are considering building an underwater sarcophagus to cover the wreck instead of attempting recovery. www.harzkurier.de · www.ikz-online.de · vecer.mk