New Revelation: The 'Rhosus' Ship That Brought Ammonium Nitrate to Beirut Port Sank Back in Early 2018

The 'Rhosus' ship, which brought ammonium nitrate to Beirut port in 2014 and became the cause of the devastating explosion on August 4, sank in early 2018. This new revelation is reported by The New York Times.

On November 21, 2013, the ship entered the Lebanese capital's port and never left again. The vessel was initially seized by the country's authorities, with the crew ordered to remain on board. After several months, the crew was released, but the ship remained.

The Lebanese authorities transferred the cargo to a port warehouse, and in 2015, it was allowed to be moved 300 meters away. The ship stayed in this state for three years. The newspaper has examined satellite images taken in recent years and noted that the 'Rhosus' was damaged and sank in early February 2018. One of the satellite images dated February 18, 2018, shows the ship leaning and partially submerged.

Beirut authorities have not taken any action regarding the sunken 'Rhosus' as its remains did not obstruct maritime traffic. Parts of the ship are located in a maritime area near Beirut port, just 300 meters from the explosion's epicenter.