Pacific Shipwrecks Potentially Toxic Timebombs

November 26, 2008--Some 3,700 World War II shipwrecks lie submerged in the Pacific Ocean.

Encased in coral, host to abundant sea life, and popular among scuba-loving tourists, some of these vessels also contain noxious cargo including oil, diesel, gasoline, chemicals, and even unexploded ordnance.

Concern about the dangers of corrosion is prompting increased investigation of wrecks that may pose hazards to marine life, beaches and local economies.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/11/photogalleries/missions-pacific-timebombs-photos/