Brussels, 20/05/2010 (Agence Europe) - The number of shipping accidents in European waters dropped by 19.5% in 2009 compared to the previous year, but this figure could rise again as shipping traffic recovers, according to the annual Maritime Accident Review 2009 published on Thursday 20 May by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). According to the review, 626 vessels were involved in 540 accidents (sinkings, collisions, groundings, fires/explosions, etc.) in and around EU waters during that year and 52 seafarers lost their lives. Compared to the years 2007 (762 vessels and 715 accidents) and 2008 (754 vessels and 670 accidents), considered the most intense in terms of maritime activity, the score is fairly good although, as EMSA points out, the fall in the number of accidents is above all due to the downturn in the world economy. The number of vessels involved in accidents was nonetheless still 17% up on 2006, when EMSA recorded 535 vessels involved in 505 accidents. From an environmental point of view, the situation in 2009 also improved compared to 2008 and 2007. Quantities of oil at sea due to maritime accidents was down to 1,500-2,000 tonnes, compared to 2-3,000 tonnes in 2008 and 7-8,000 tonnes in 2007. The full report may be consulted at: http://www.emsa.europa.eu . (A.By./transl.jl)