On October 20, the Maltese-flagged chemical tanker NQ Rosa leaked phosphoric acid in the Port of Saint-Malo, France. The spill occurred while the vessel was unloading its cargo at Jacques Cartier quay.
A ruptured hose caused about 2,000 litres of phosphoric acid to spill into a retention tank. Some splashes reached the quayside but did not enter the water. A security guard on patrol at the time was exposed to the acid and was taken to hospital for treatment. Fortunately, no fatalities or environmental pollution have been reported.
Twenty-four firefighters trained in chemical hazards secured the site and completed cleanup operations by early afternoon. The ship’s crew remained on board as a precaution. Authorities lifted all safety restrictions by 1:00 p.m.
The acid shipment was bound for Phosphea, a subsidiary of the Roullier Group. The company confirmed there was no contamination of port waters and that cleanup on the quay is ongoing.
