TEESSIDE, England, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- The first of two decrepit U.S. navy ships that caused an environmental uproar arrived at the English seaport of Teesside, the BBC reported Wednesday.
Protesters met the 644-foot Caloosahatchee as it inched its way towards Able UK's Hartlepool yard.
The 15,000 ton vessel left the James River in Virginia Oct. 6 along with another ship, Caniseteo, which is expected to arrive soon.
The British government has said the so-called "ghost ships" can be stored temporarily on Teesside but should be sent back to the United States.
The Environment Agency imposed conditions to prevent any dismantling, cutting or breaking up of the vessels in any way while in England.
The environmental group Friends of the Earth said it was concerned the ships were contaminated and rules had been bent to allow their dismantling.
The High Court blocked any work on dismantling the ships until legal challenges have been heard.
