Large marine national park at risk from Concordia fuel spill

One of Europe's biggest marine national parks is in danger of pollution that could be potentially caused by cruise ship Concordia, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The Italian government has declared a state of emergency over fears that the vessel could slide off a rock ledge and fall to the seabed, spilling half a million gallons of fuel. If the fuel tanks did rapture, the Tuscan archipelago of islands could be endangered by the pollution.

The Tuscan archipelago has been recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty, and its waters are protected thanks to the foundation of a national marine park in 1979. The environment is of great scientific value, with fascinating marine life that make it one of the biggest marine parks in Europe.

Recent weather news is not encouraging for the rescue mission, with winds of 25 miles per hour forecasted later this week.

The ship had only just embarked on its week-long tour of the Mediterranean, and was therefore fully loaded with diesel and oil. Protective barriers have been put in place after the environmental minister said liquid was found to be leaking from the vessel, although it is not clear yet whether this is fuel.

Posted by Lauren Steadman