World War-Era Ships Are Leaking Toxic Chemicals Into North Sea: Study

World War-era ships are leaking toxic chemicals into North Sea: Study

During World War I and II, thousands of ships sank. Settled on the Danish seabed, the German submarine UC-30 stands as a silent reminder of early 20th-century naval history. But beneath its rusting steel hull sits an active environmental threat. In April 1917, the U-boat struck a British mine and sank with 27 men, 18 mines, and six torpedoes onboard. The wreck vanished until 2016. Today, it is leaking. Recent investigations led by Professor Katr…

Sunken WWI and WWII Ships and Subs Are Leaking TNT Pollution Into the Ocean

Researchers used test mussels to confirm that shipwrecked TNT has leaked toxic and carcinogenic chemicals into the North Sea.

Old World War wrecks are still leaking TNT into the North Sea

Old war wrecks in the North Sea are leaking explosive chemicals into nearby water, sediment and marine life. Mussels and other samples collected from the UC-30 submarine wreck showed traces of TNT and related compounds. Researchers say the pollution appears localized for now, but it may worsen as wrecks corrode and expose more munitions. A German submarine sank off Rømø in 1917 with mines, torpedoes and 27 crew members aboard. More than a centur…