Fears after ammonia gas left on sunk ship in Solomon Islands

There are fears ammonia gas trapped in a sunk ship in Solomon Islands could poison local fishing waters.

Officials said the fishing boat, which was anchored off Makira Island, has already created an oil spill spanning up to 50 metres since it sank this week.

The provincial health director, John Selwyn Harara, said an initial assessment has also uncovered an unknown amount of ammonia gas on board.

"The fear now is if it leaks, then it might cause further threat to the sea or to the salt water. That's why people are now advised not to fish and not to catch anything around there."

John Selwyn Harara said the provincial government is still assessing the situation.