With the possible arrival near the Moroccan coasts of Sao Paulo, a French ship, bought by Brazil in 2000, associative voices call to refuse its passage. Morocco is concerned because the ship would have to cross the waters under its jurisdiction.
Former flagship of the French Navy under the name of Foch, the São Paulo was sold by Brazil to a Turkish ship-breaking yard.
The aircraft carrier left the Brazilian shores on August 4 towed by a tug to reach Aliaga in Turkey. This will be his last trip, already very controversial by environmental protection associations which warn of the ecological risks of this ship.
The former aircraft carrier had been sold by France after more than 3 decades of good and loyal service, for the sum of 12 million euros.
This time Brazil, which has spent more than 100 million euros on repairs in recent years, got rid of this money pit for 1.6 million dollars at an auction.
The Turkish buyer will not operate the ship, he bought it mainly for its steel, estimated at 24,000 tons that he can resell.
Environmental protection NGOs are alerting the countries around the Mediterranean to this ship and the risks of pollution it brings with it. It contains asbestos and carcinogens.
Morocco is concerned since the ship should pass through the Strait of Gibraltar and pass through Moroccan territorial waters before going to its final destination in Turkey.
The ship is sailing without insurance and is under an injunction from a Brazilian court, and in Turkey there are also voices of protest against the ship’s arrival.