Clemenceau Finally Back in France

Article Added May 30th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story

The asbestos-laden carrier Clemenceau finally returned to its home port of Brest early this morning. Once a proud symbol of the French Navy, the ship returned after foreign ports refused to harbor the dangerous ship.

After bouncing around the Mediterranean for months, the French decommissioned aircraft carrier Clemenceau has returned to France. The ship had failed to find a foreign port willing to take the asbestos-riddled ship to dismantle the craft. Tight security, helpful tugboats and even an original metalworker who helped construct the boat witnessed the docking at the Breton naval base after a tow to and from India. The homecoming was bittersweet, considering the boat returned to the berth is occupied in 1961, when the Clemenceau began its naval service.

Controversy began when the French ship took to the water for India to be dismantled. The hull of the boat contains tons of hazardous asbestos, raising concerns that the ship yard in the third world country would not be able to safely handle the material. The result was an embarrassing three year trip, including a stay in Turkey, a blocked Suez Canal and a disgruntled ship yard in Alang, India. The French President has assured the people of Brest that the ship would not become a germinant eyesore, stating that the ship would be gone by 2008.

Article Added May 30th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story