Iraqi Ports Obstructed by Wrecks, says UNDP

Hundreds of sunken ships ranging from large freighters and tankers to small tugs and dhows are blocking access to Iraqs principal seaports and threatening the marine environment of the northern Persian Gulf, according to a detailed report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) which was released in early October.

Surveys of Iraqi ports such as Umm Qasr - shown here being surveyed by an unmanned underwater vehicle - suggest wrecks are a hazard to navigation.

Hundreds of sunken ships ranging from large freighters and tankers to small tugs and dhows are blocking access to Iraqs principal seaports and threatening the marine environment of the northern Persian Gulf, according to a detailed report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) which was released in early October.