The leakage was small. However, marine experts have expressed concern that the situation may become more serious. In addition to the spill, which is two cubic metres in size, more acid is expected to leak from the sunken ship as a result of underwater pressure. Nitric acid has a corrosive impact on marine life.
Initial investigations show that negligence was behind the shipwreck.
No 4 for 1994, the Syrian captain was remanded in custody and will face trial in Egypt, while the company which owns the cargo ship will be fined a sum ranging between LE150,000 and LE500,000. EEAA experts are assessing damage to marine life in the area to determine the amount that will be paid by the company in compensation. The company will also bear the cost of cleaning the area, a task that is being carried out by the naval forces. Tantawi arrived in London on Sunday and was received by Britain's Secretary of State for Defence Geoff Hoon and top military officials. Tantawi also visited the Joint Commanding Centre, where he met with Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Charles Guthrie and a number of commanding officers.