Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) have today learnt that the relevant authorities have made the decision to leave the RMS Mulheim, currently stranded near Sennen Cove to naturally break up rather than be salvaged.

SAS are concerned that leaving the vessel to break up naturally could lead to boat wreckage becoming scattered in a wide area for the foreseeable future which would present an ongoing threat to beach goers and wildlife at this popular tourist location.

SAS are urging the management team to think again and investigate further the opportunities of salvaging the boat. We have ourselves today spoken to a salvage operator who believes it would be possible to cut up the boat and salvage the scrap rather than leaving it to decay, pollute or rust away into our sensitive marine environment.

Leaving the boat in situ would be the 'cheapest and easiest' option but the region deserves better when it relies on safeguarding its marine environment for millions of people to enjoy.

What this incident has shown most is that we need urgent new and enforceable legislation that recognises the SW's coastline as a 'Particularly Sensitive Sea Area'. SAS have committed themselves to achieving this solution.

Richard Hardy, SAS Campaign Assistant says: "By giving up on salvaging this vessel it will remain a scar on our coastline, SAS don't believe that the proposed 'inaction' is a solution.

Over the longer term we all must be asking - how can we reduce the risk of this happening again? What is the best way to protect our fragile coastline from what is a continuing threat?"

For further information please contact Richard or Vicky on Tel: 01872 553001 or Mob: 07817 401480.

The Story so far...

"Mulheim continues to break up"

"CARRY ON MULHEIM"

" CONCERN OVER DECISION TO LEAVE THE MULHEIM TO BREAK UP."

"A LUCKY ESCAPE FOR THE BEACHES"

"TOXIC CARGO FAR FROM SAFE SAY SURFERS AGAINST SEWAGE"

"MULHEIM UPDATE - DAY 17"

"3 WEEKS ON AND THE MULHEIM CONTINUES TO PUT ENVIRONMENT AT RISK."

"SAS express disappointment at decision to leave Mulheim on the rocks"

"COCKTAIL OF NASTIES!"

"MULHEIM PLASTIC FOUND ON NEWQUAY'S GOLDEN SANDS"

"MULHEIMS 'DIRTY' CARGO SPREADING FAR AND WIDE"

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