Investigations of mercury during a survey near submarine U-864 outside Fedje in 2013

Abstract

During a survey in January 2013 sediment samples were taken from the area near the wreck of submarine U-864 outside Fedje. The submarine is assumed to have had 67 tons of liquid mercury onboard, stored in carbon steel cans. When torpedoed, the mid-section of the submarine was blown up, and an unknown number of the stored mercury cans were destroyed and have polluted the seabed below. NIVA has analysed sediment samples for mercury in order to provide updated information about the area around the wreck that is polluted with mercury. Measurements for mercury vapour were done for safety reasons on deck and near sampling equipment during the survey. No high concentrations of mercury vapour were found.