“This is a hazardous substance and was the cause of the explosion that spread the blaze on the ship,” Deputy Transport Minister Pailin Chuchottaworn told reporters on Friday. According to Pailin, the 13 containers of calcium hypochlorite on the ship had not been declared at every step. “The containers were declared at the origin and destination, but not during the route,” he said. Pailin added that the ongoing investigation will also determine if there were any other chemicals on the ship that had not been properly declared. Due to the explosion, fire and resulting chemical leak, up to 3,500 tonnes of seawater near the port has had to be pumped out for treatment.

Source: The Nation Bangkok May 31, 2019 14:37 UTC