French officials say an oil tanker which sank off the coast of France last month causing a major pollution crisis, was in poor condition.

A report published today Friday by the French Transport Ministry blames rust corrosion for the disaster, but exonerates the ship's Indian captain, Krun Mathur.

The Maltese registered tanker, Erika, broke in half near the port of Brest, spilling ten-thousand tonnes of oil.

Mr Mathur is currently facing charges of endangering lives and causing pollution. The disaster caused great anger in France and led to calls for an end to oil being carried by ships registered under flags of convenience.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service