Britain: As the first US "ghostship" arrived in Britain yesterday, environmentalists called for a public inquiry into the government's handling of the affair.
Controversy has dogged the deal between the US authorities and Teesside firm Able UK to recycle 13 ageing former naval reserve vessels.
Conservative shadow environment minister Ms Caroline Spelman said "dreadful mistakes" had been made and a clear "breach of law" had occurred as the ships had been sent to Britain without having the correct licences for dismantling work to be carried out.
Mr Tony Juniper, of Friends of the Earth, said the organisation was not convinced by claims that the US fleet was no more heavily polluted than everyday shipping.
He said Teesside already had dealt with enough pollution from its chemical industry and had an internationally important nature reserve close to the yard. - (PA)