Asbestos is a problem when you try to scrap a ship like that. Airborne fibers are toxic. It's not a problem when you sink it. Unfortunate, that's a huge amount of metal that could be recycled. The residual oil can be mitigated by scrubbing tanks and reservoirs before scuttling. It may still leave an oil slick, but I think that's more of a cosmetic problem than long term environmental issue.
Smithium t1_j6y2e84 wrote
Reply to Brazilian Navy says it will sink 'ghost' aircraft carrier at high sea | CNN by Creams0da
Asbestos is a problem when you try to scrap a ship like that. Airborne fibers are toxic. It's not a problem when you sink it. Unfortunate, that's a huge amount of metal that could be recycled. The residual oil can be mitigated by scrubbing tanks and reservoirs before scuttling. It may still leave an oil slick, but I think that's more of a cosmetic problem than long term environmental issue.