We are getting reports that a chemical tanker carrying 10,000 tons of Xylene has run aground on Clipperton Island. The Tahiti Press reported the story almost 10 days ago but at the time it was believed that the hull was intact and the contents were safe. However, we have just received word that the High Commisioner of French Polynesia has canceled an application to collect fish at the Isle of Passion because the Xylene and other toxic substances are leaking out. Now the island territory is being cordoned off and all ships are banned from approaching. We can only hope that the chemical spill is not as bad as it sounds and that the French Polynesian government is taking extreme precautionary action to prevent this ship-grounding from causing a massive natural disaster which threatens many endemic species, not the least of which is the famous Clipperton Island Angelfish. This is a very serious situation and we can only wait to hear more on what develops.
