Hull of grounded carrier now breached

An inspection Thursday ofa ship that's been grounded on Scaterie Island since last week, shows its hull is now breached in several places.

The decommissioned bulk carrier M/V Canadian Miner was on its way to Turkey to be scrapped when it snapped a tow line in heavy seas. It was not carrying cargo and no one was on board.

Several attempts tobudge the carrier have failed.

Flight surveillance does not show any signs of an oil leak, but water has entered the ship's hull.

The Coast Guard has ordered six tonnes of diesel oil andlubricants removed from the ship.

Local fishermen say they're worried old sludge in the hull will escape and contaminate their lobster grounds.

According to the Coast Guard, a plan to free the vessel is still being developed.

Transport Canada said its marine experts will be involved in the salvage operation to protect the marine environment.

The agency is also investigating to see if any rules or regulations have been broken.