Norwegian authorities warn of mercury contamination from sunken WW2 submarine

A number of fish and crabs have reportedly already exhibited signs of contamination, prompting local groups to more closely monitor aquaculture operations in the region.

Hans Petter Mortensholm, Kystverket Environment Preparedness Director, said that although significant amounts of U-864's mercury cargo have been recovered, the condition of the leakage was worse than initially anticipated.

The agency stated that some of the mercury was found on the seabed with some of it already absorbed.

Efforts are now focused on identifying how the leakage can be effectively contained. A local lobby group has recommended that the submarine's wreck be raised while others have proposed encasing the wreck in sand.