In 2000, Brazil purchased the French aircraft carrier Foch, which was later renamed Sao Paulo, for $12 million. The ship was constructed in the late 1950s at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard in France and served in the French navy for 37 years before being acquired by Brazil. The carrier was originally intended to be a training vessel for the Brazilian navy but saw limited use over the years. In 2021, the Sao Paulo was sold for less than $2 million to a Turkish company, Sok Denizcilik, which planned to dismantle the ship. However, Turkey later revoked its authorization for the dismantling process, citing concerns about the 10 tons of asbestos on board—a hazardous material known to cause serious health issues. As a result, the ship was towed back to international waters, where it was eventually scuttled by the Brazilian navy on February 3, 2023, approximately 350 kilometers off the Brazilian coast, in an area with a depth of nearly 5,000 meters. Brazilian authorities justified the decision to sink the ship as a way to avoid logistical, operational, environmental, and economic challenges associated with its disposal. Environmental organizations have raised concerns about the potential release of toxic substances, including asbestos, mercury, and lead, into the seabed as the ship sinks. These materials could pose long-term risks to marine ecosystems and human health. The cost of the scuttling operation was estimated at around 37.2 million reais (approximately $7.5 million), more than three times the sale price of the ship. The Brazilian government had previously considered converting the carrier into a museum, but this plan was not realized due to financial constraints. The disposal of the Sao Paulo highlights the complex challenges of managing aging military assets, especially those containing hazardous materials. While the Brazilian government prioritized cost and safety in its decision, environmental groups continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of long-term ecological impacts.