Apus
12/17/1998
Netherlands
Accident
In 1998, the ferry Apus lost a container of 2,100 boxes of firelighters off the Dutch coast. These products contained substances that are harmful to human health and the environment: urea-formaldehyde and kerosene.
Recovery of firelighters grounded on the coastline required treatment of over several cubic metres of sand. Costs were reimbursed by the ship’s owner.
Source:
- Bonn Agreement, 1999, Chemical spills at sea: case studies, BONN 99/3/6-E
To find out more
CIIMAR database: fate and weathering of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) involved
Shipwreck zoneMer du Nord
Spill areaOpen sea
Pollutant typefirelighters
Quantity spilled2,100 boxes