MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Radioactive cargo crosses Panama Canal

The British flagged “Pacific-Sandpiper” loaded with radioactive waste crossed this weekend the Panama Canal, according to the Panamanian Human Rights chapter.

After crossing the three main locks extending from the Caribbean to the Pacific, a ten hours sailing, the "Pacific Sandpiper" with its deadly cargo is sailing for Japan its final destination.

Raul Escofery from the Panamanian Human Rights chapter said the vessel was carrying 132 containers with approximately 7,4 tons of crystallized residue from nuclear fuel and highly radioactive.

The "Pacific-Sandpiper" crossed with a heavy escort of air, sea and land security support and only faced a minor group of ecologists from Panama University who where protesting on the Pacific side of the canal.

The British flagged vessel left the French port of Cherbourg with its radioactive cargo January 19 and there was speculation that sometime in mid Atlantic she would have to decide between Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn in the South Atlantic.

Argentine and Chilean ecologists together with Greenpeace branches were preparing for massive protests if the vessel had opted for the South Atlantic.