The world's beaches are in trouble!
Shipbreaking takes place in poor countries, where once pretty beaches in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Turkey are turned into ship graveyards. However, old ships contain hazardous substances such as asbestos, lead paint and PCBs, which are released into the environment. The Rainbow Warrior is in India to visit the shipbreaking yards. Evedien from the Netherlands is on board....
November 13, 2003
We were shocked!
Just before the Rainbow Warrior left Bombay harbour, Ramapati, Jan and myself could find some time to do a quick and informal visit at the little but very dirty shipbreaking yard in Bombay. As it was full moon, three very old ships had been beached during our stay in the city (with full moon the sea is higher, this makes beaching ships easier). Right under our nose! We wanted to see these toxic beasts. When we came back on the Rainbow Warrior a few hours later, we were shocked about the situation. The shipbreaking yard was very dirty and full of toxic fumes. Unbelievable that people have to work in these circumstances. We swore to take action. We have to change this. We have to come back. So wait and see...