The Indian government has begun an investigation to determine whether a former United States naval ship scheduled to be dismantled contains toxic materials. The government’s investigation comes in response to protests by environmental groups who claim that the ship contains hundreds of tons of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and asbestos.

The ship in question—previously known as the SS Independence when it was used by the US Navy—dropped anchor off the coast of India on October 4th in order to be dismantled. Environmental groups protesting the ship’s presence say that they fear that toxic materials aboard the vessel could jeopardize the lives of shipyard workers who will conduct the demolition.

The groups estimate that the ship contains about 210 tons of PCBs and about 250 tons of asbestos, as well as other radioactive materials. PCBs are toxic chemicals used in electronic wiring and paint which have been banned in the US. Asbestos—a fibrous material once commonly used for insulation and heat protection—has been rarely used in the US in recent decades due to its link with a deadly form of cancer known as mesothelioma.

In January 2009, the owners of the ship were forced to pay a $518,000 fine to the Environmental Protection Agency over the alleged illegal export of the ship. Exporting PCBs from the US is illegal unless approved by the EPA.