Naval History Forums

There have in recent years been some controversy over dangers posed to the environment by sunken ships, in terms of their cargo and fuel bunkers.

I haven't seen anything of this nature concerning the sunken Bismarck, but I believe there was a substantial quantity of oil still on board. Has any concern about this been expressed, does the oil pose any danger?
Has the actual quantity of oil on board been calculated?

IFAIK, 40% of the hull plating on port and starboard sides of the wreck is reported missing, behind which i think were fuel oil tanks. This was probably caused by the impact with the seabed, the sections already being weakened by torpedo holes each end of them.

The wreck is not near land or any conservation area, IFAIK, and is quite a way down. Don't think there would be any concerns regarding any remaining fuel oil. Might be wrong though.