The environmental committee at Dostour Party urged the government of Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab to hold their social and political responsibility following the sinking of phosphate-loaded ship in River Nile and to put in place a clear-cut plan for river transport.

More precautionary measures should be taken to secure all shipments carrying chemicals or environmental pollutants to make sure that such incidents are not repeated in the future, the committee said.

It called for an immediate investigation into the incident to hold accountable whoever is responsible for the sinking of the ship.

The ship, carrying 500 tons of phosphate, reportedly collided with a bridge’s foundation in the Upper Egyptian city of Qena, leading to it capsizing.

The committee called for a quick removal of the phosphate shipment from the river and to transparently announce to how extend the material was soluble in water.