GERB MP Zhecho Stankov has asked the authorities to take urgent action over a ship that sank in the Black Sea with 421 containers, some holding dangerous cargo. The crew has been rescued, but he says the crisis is not over.

On Tuesday the transport ministry said the capsized ship, the Horiv, would enter Bulgaria's area of responsibility within 24 hours.

See also: Capsized cargo ship Horiv expected in Bulgarian waters within 24 hours

Stankov, a former energy minister, congratulated those who took part in the rescue that brought the crew to safety. He asked who is in charge of the ship, how the risk is being contained and how the Black Sea coast will be protected.

The MP asks what is on the seabed, which hazardous substances the containers hold, how much fuel is left in the tanks and who is watching for pollution. He also wants to know why the ship was not unloaded in time or taken to a safe port, if conditions allowed it.

Stankov says the authorities must have a full list of the cargo, decide which items threaten nature and present a clear plan to make them safe. He does not want another "we are monitoring the situation", but answers and action.

Pollution would also hurt the economy of the coastal areas, the MP warned. Tens of thousands of Bulgarian families of hoteliers, restaurant owners, fishermen, traders and taxi drivers live off the sea and count on clean water and a good tourist season, he wrote.

"If there is an environmental disaster tomorrow, those who give reassuring statements today will not pay the price. The people of the Black Sea coast will!" Stankov wrote.

The authorities must act to prevent harm, not wait for a possible environmental disaster, the MP says. "The Black Sea is not just water on a map!" he said.