Mozambique brings in experts to determine whether abandoned ship holds toxic cargo

Mozambique probes abandoned ship for toxic cargo

MAPUTO, Mozambique — Mozambique’s prime minister says experts have been brought in to determine whether toxic cargo was aboard a ship abandoned off the coast of the southern African country.

Prime Minister Aires Aly said Thursday that the government was taking over the investigation following speculation the ship was abandoned because its cargo was dangerous. Aly says it’s unclear who abandoned the ship, or when.

The ship was found off northern Mozambique about 20 miles (30 kilometers) from the tourist town of Vilankulo.

Officials found 13 containers aboard, opening two that were filled with hammers, nails and other building materials.

It was found last week, but authorities did not announce its discovery until this past weekend.