comment: >
  
  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.
context: Basically, the hull is leaking and Turkey is worried it will sink somewhere en-route before it gets to the scrapyard. So Brazil will sink it in deep water (5000+ feet) away from protected marine areas and any underwater infrastructure.
  The hull likely still contains toxic materials, like paint and oil residue, so by sinking it in deep water they hope to limit environmental damage. >
  
  They are going to tow out past the environment and let the front fall off? >
  
  But it’s still in the environment. >
  
  No no, it past the environment, way out there.