A product vessel docked at the Port of Saint-Malo experienced a significant chemical leak earlier this week, prompting an immediate emergency response to contain the hazardous material.
Incident Summary
The incident involved a substantial spill of a corrosive chemical during unloading operations at the Jacques Cartier Quay.
- Material and Volume: Approximately 2,000 litres of phosphoric acid leaked from the product vessel.
- Timing and Location: The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. local time on October 20, while the vessel was docked and engaged in unloading operations.
- Cause: The leak was reportedly caused by a ruptured hose.
- Containment: The majority of the leaked acid spilled into the vessel’s retention tank, successfully preventing runoff into the port waters.
Response and Impact
Emergency services were quickly deployed to manage the chemical hazard, and while there was a casualty, the overall environmental impact was averted.
- Quayside Splash: Some acid did splash onto the quayside despite the successful containment in the retention tank.
- Casualty: A security guard on patrol was exposed to the acid and was taken to the hospital for treatment. No fatalities or environmental pollution were reported.
- Emergency Response: Twenty-four firefighters specialising in chemical hazards responded to the scene, arriving around 9:00 a.m.
- Resolution: Emergency operations concluded by 1:00 p.m. the same day, and security perimeters were lifted shortly thereafter. Cleanup of the affected quayside area is currently underway.
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Source: Safety4sea
