THE HINDU newspaper claimed that the US container ship HORIZON TRADER is stranded dead off the coast off North Maharashtra near Hazira, Gujarat, and may be carrying organic pollutants and radioactive substances. The Basel Action Network (BAN), an international toxic waste watchdog, has flagged off the American vessel Horizon Trader, which has falsely claimed blackout but has the intention of dumping toxic waste into the Indian Sea, the BAN said. The ship, according to BAN, is laden with Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), asbestos and possibly with radioactive substances, putting the country’s maritime security and environment at risk. Sources in the Coast Guard said the ship in question could not be traced in its records.

There are no recent tracks of vessel’s whereabouts.