September 25, 2003	Thursday	Rajab 27, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Sept 24: The United Nations Environment Programme has submitted its report to the government about the ship Tasman Spirit accident that says acute effects of oil spill are evident and further scientific investigation is needed to determine the extent of damage to ecosystems around Karachi.

The UNEP report obtained by Dawn has been finalised with inputs and advice of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN).

The report recommends to the Government of Pakistan to negotiate with the responsible party to finance this study as part of an overall claim for damages.

The preliminary assessment, says the report, suggests that despite intensive efforts to transfer, disperse, contain and recover the oil, the area impacted by the spill covers at least 40 square kilometres.

The report documents extensive hydrocarbon contamination in seawater samples. It also notes that about 250 people who sought treatment at a medical camp set up after the oil spill for respiratory ailments, were exposed to petroleum carbon.