Surfers protest about ghost ships

Surfers who use a stretch of Teesside coastline are holding a protest meeting over the so-called US 'ghost fleet'.

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) has warned the decision could have a serious impact on recreational water-users in the area.

A group of surfers plans to march on Able UK - which has won the contract to dismantle the ships - on Friday morning.

Nick Noble, from the Teesside branch of SAS, uses the stretch of coastline at Saltburn.

He said no amount of jobs could compensate for the potential dangers ahead if things do go wrong.

These vessels have been subject to far more stringent checks... than probably any other ships which have come into the Tees Able UK spokesman

"Are we so desperate in this region that we are prepared to take on board dangerous ventures just for the sake of jobs?

"The price we could be paying for generations down the line could be far greater if we bury this sort of waste here.

"It will come with negative health implications."

Four of the 13 decommissioned vessels set sail from Virgina earlier this month, on the 23 day journey to Teesside.

Birth defects

They will be dismantled at the Able UK in Hartlepool, creating 200 jobs.

Environmental campaigners have expressed fears that the ships could break-up during the journey.

The ships are between 40 and 50-years-old and contaminated with chemicals including PCBs, asbestos and heavy diesel.

Able UK said it has taken steps to ensure the environment is properly protected.

A spokesman said: "These vessels have been subject to far more stringent checks by far more agencies than probably any other ships which have come into the Tees."