Albion II
The silent sinking of the bulk carrier the Albion II, presumed to
be on 18 February 1997, 60 miles from Brest, raised the problem
of the evaluation of the threat posed by the reactive chemicals
onboard. The presence of calcium carbide (114 tonnes packaged in
500 barrels of 50 kg and 800 barrels of 100 kg) meant a risk of
explosion. This product spontaneously reacts with water to produce
acetylene, a flammable gas (10 kg of calcium carbide gives off 3
to 4 m³ of acetylene).
The shipwreck lies 120 m deep. Research suggests that the barrels
would be unable to resist the pressure at such depth. It is therefore
highly likely that the metal has been pierced and that water has
infiltrated into the barrels and gas has been released. The risk
of calcium carbide-filled barrels being caught in the nets of passing
fishing boats, which would mean the release of inflammable gas when
brought to the surface, is an unlikely hypothesis. However, it cannot
be totally ruled out and ships are advised to be extremely carefully
when trawling near the wreck.
Name: Albion II
Date: 18 February 1997
Location: France
Accident area : 60 miles from Brest, Finistère
Cause of spill : damage to ship
Quantity transported : 114 tonnes
Type of pollutant : calcium carbide
Ship type : bulk carrier
Date built : 1986
Length : 178 m
Width : 23 m
Flag : Cypriot
Last update: April 2006