EIGHTY drums of a toxic chemical were lost in the water off the Suffolk coast after an accident at a container terminal, it was revealed today.The incident happened two weeks ago, but astonishingly the authorities decided not to tell the public – because they believed there was no risk to anyone.

By Richard Cornwell

EIGHTY drums of a toxic chemical were lost in the water off the Suffolk coast after an accident at a container terminal, it was revealed today.

The incident happened two weeks ago, but astonishingly the authorities decided not to tell the public – because they believed there was no risk to anyone.

Divers are still working in the harbour on the delicate and lengthy operation to recover the missing black drums which have "Hazardous chemical" written on their sides.

The drums are understood to have been lost when a container fell into the water from a ship alongside Trinity Terminal during unloading operations.

When the box was pulled out, 80 drums of a heavy chemical called Suprasec 2525 – understood to be used to make the foam fillings for furniture – were lost.

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