Cargo ship carrying chemicals sinks off French coast

The Ievoli Sun tanker, which is carrying 6,000 metric tons of chemical products, had sent out distress signals Monday off the coast of France as gale-force winds lashed the Atlantic coast. A helicopter and rescue tug had been sent to the aid of the stricken vessel but it was unable to make port before sinking.

It was not immediately known whether the accident constituted an environmental threat. France is still reeling from a massive oil spill last December that polluted much of the Atlantic coast's picturesque beaches and craggy coastline.

Fierce gales of up to 150 kilometers per hour (87-93 mph) swept much of northern France on Monday, killing four people and causing widespread disruption to rail, air and sea travel.

(AP)