Colombo - A Turkish ship transporting sulphuric acid sank off Sri Lanka's north-eastern coast Thursday, three days after attempts to repair a leak in the vessel failed, a navy spokesman said.

Sulphuric acid is widely used for lead-acid batteries for vehicles.

The ship's 19-member crew was rescued by the Sri Lankan navy after the MT Granba reported a leak off the Trincomalee area on Monday and attempts were made to carry out the repairs.

As a precaution to avoid environmental damage the navy towed the ship some 80 nautical miles off Trincomalee port.

Sri Lanka's environmental ministry said that it was considering legal action against the shipping company.

The ship had sailed from Tuticorin in India to Kakinadan port, also in India. (dpa)