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The Independent
11-03-2025
- General
- The Independent
North Sea collision could be ‘devastating' to already battered area, experts say
The North Sea collision between an oil tanker and a container ship could have a 'devastating' impact on a marine environment already facing multiple pressures – and hit by other wildlife disasters in recent years. Overfishing, the offshore oil industry and more recently the offshore wind sector have turned the North Sea into a 'battered industrial landscape' – and the latest incident could prove to be a setback after some signs of recovery in recent years, experts warned. The Stena Immaculate tanker suffered a ruptured cargo tank when it was struck by the Solong container ship at approximately 10am on Monday, causing 'multiple explosions' and fires, with jet fuel released into the water. Solong owner Ernst Russ said the ship has 'no containers on board ladened with sodium cyanide', after reports circulated that the ship was transporting the chemical, prompting further fears over the incident's environmental damage. Local wildlife trusts have raised concerns about the impact of any pollution from the two vessels on an array of species, including threatened seabird colonies, grey seals, harbour porpoises, fish, and minke whales. Nature-rich sites such as Flamborough Cliffs and the Humber Estuary – where conservationists have been restoring seagrass and oysters – could be hit, campaigners warned. Martin Slater, director of operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said East Yorkshire's coast was home to significant colonies of seabirds including puffins, razorbills, gannets and kittiwakes, which were gathering offshore ahead of the nesting season, as well as wintering waders and migrant birds. 'We're very worried indeed about the threat to these birds,' he said. 'If pollution spillage enters the Humber, this could potentially be devasting for the wildlife of the estuary, including important fish stocks and tens of thousands of overwintering and migrating birds who use the mud flats.' It is not the first time in recent years there have been major incidents harming the region's wildlife, with a mass die-off of crustaceans on the coastline from Hartlepool to Whitby between October and December 2021, which saw dying marine creatures washed ashore, 'twitching' and displaying lethargic behaviour. The incident sparked a major debate over the cause, with official investigations initially pointing the finger at a natural algae bloom, before independent research suggested a toxin was to blame. A subsequent panel of independent experts convened by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs chief scientific officer Gideon Henderson later concluded: 'A novel pathogen is considered the most likely cause of mortality.' However, the panel was 'unable to identify a clear and convincing single cause for the unusual crustacean mortality'. More recently, sea bird colonies along the North Sea such as the National Trust's Farne Islands, home to important populations of threatened puffins and other species, were hit by devastating outbreaks of bird flu in 2022 and 2023. And efforts to close UK waters to fishing of sand eels – a key food source for seabirds such as puffins but also targeted for oil and animal feed – have been challenged by the EU. Marine campaigner and founder of the Blue Marine Foundation Charles Clover said: 'The North Sea is a fairly battered industrial landscape, which in places have been showing signs of recovery. It's a tragedy that this has happened.' He added that it was not clear whether the current disaster would have an effect beyond the local area. Mr Clover also said the region had been affected by overfishing, depleting what used to be 'the richest sea on Earth'. 'Its heart, the Dogger Bank, was ruthlessly overfished but now is a marine protected area, so there are some signs of hope.' But he added there were a 'staggering' number of wind turbines going into the North Sea, following on from the much dirtier offshore oil industry, which also potentially affect wildlife such as seabirds and habitats including the seabed.
Sky News
11-03-2025
- General
- Sky News
Oil tanker-freighter collision could have lethal ecological impact - it depends on these three things
The monumental collision between a cargo ship and oil tanker off the East Yorkshire coast on Monday clearly spells bad news for the sea, wildlife and air around it. While some details finally started to emerge on Tuesday, we still don't know quite how bad it will be. That depends on a few things - but the clouds of filthy black smoke from the fires that burned into the next morning are worrying for a start, and these fires have prevented authorities from moving in and assessing the damage. Firstly, it matters what was on board those two massive vessels and how much has leaked into the water. We now know the Solong cargo ship was not carrying sodium cyanide as was earlier feared. Four empty containers had carried it previously, and these are "being monitored", owner Ernst Russ said. We also know the 183m-long tanker Stena Immaculate was carrying about 220,000 barrels of jet fuel - it took a while for this to be confirmed on Monday - some of which has poured into the North Sea. Jet fuel is not as sticky or viscous as heavier types of oil, and it can potentially evaporate or be broken down by natural bacteria. That means it should not clog the feathers and fur of birds and seals, but is still toxic and can poison fish and other wildlife. 0:57 Potentially devastating ecological impact And there is a lot of it around the East Yorkshire coast. It's home to protected areas, major colonies of seabirds like puffins and gannets, and porpoises - as well as grey seals, which are currently rearing newborn pups. Conservation charities are watching and bracing for what still could be nasty. Martin Slater, from Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said if pollution enters the Humber estuary it could be "devastating" for the wildlife, including "important fish stocks, and tens of thousands of overwintering and migrating birds" who use the mud flats. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said the crash was close to the biggest gannet colony in England and warned a leak could be "lethal" to seabirds. But a spokesperson for Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary said: "Hopefully, the effect on wildlife will be minimal, but there is an emergency contingency plan in place if lots of oiled birds wash up." Wildlife authorities have said they will not intervene until all the mariners are accounted for. Heavy fuel oil is horrible stuff On top of this, both ships will have been powered by a dirtier, heavier kind of oil - likely marine gas oil or heavy fuel oil, we don't know the details yet. Heavy fuel oil is horrible stuff. Cheap, thick and tar-like, it can smother animals and is extremely difficult to clean up. Let's hope this isn't swimming around the North Sea already. We don't know how much of any of these toxic substances has leaked, or how much will be burned off in the violent fires - which themselves are ploughing black smoke and dirty air pollution into the atmosphere. Secondly, the impact depends on the sea and weather conditions around it. Things like the wind, waves and currents affect how an oil spill spreads in the sea. Scientists can draw up computer models to simulate how the oil could behave. Thirdly, it matters how quickly this is all tackled and then cleaned up, if necessary, and if it can be. Usually the slower the response, the worse the impact. The coastguard has said the incident "remains ongoing" and it has started assessing the "likely counter pollution response" that will be required. Such a response might need the help of numerous public bodies: the government environment department, the transport department, the Environment Agency and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. So for now the best we can hope for - aside from the welfare of the people involved - is that not all the oil or chemicals have been spilled or burnt, that conditions are calm and that those cleaning up can start swiftly.
The Independent
11-03-2025
- Science
- The Independent
North Sea collision - latest: Fuel leak from US tanker crash could hit UK coastline and ‘devastate' wildlife
Wildlife trusts have warned of potential 'devastating' impacts of pollution after an oil tanker carrying jet fuel and a cargo ship loaded with highly toxic chemicals collided in the North Sea. The crash, which occurred just before 9.50am on Monday, involved the US-registered Stena Immaculate, transporting fuel for the US military, and the Portuguese-flagged Solong. The smaller Solong vessel was carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide, according to a report from maritime data provider Lloyd's List Intelligence. Nature rich sites such as the Humber Estuary, where conservationists have been restoring seagrass and oysters, and Flamborough Cliffs could be hit, environmentalists warned. Martin Slater, Director of Operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust said the trust was waiting to see if there was any pollution into the North Sea. 'If pollution spillage enters the Humber, this could potentially be devastating for the wildlife of the estuary, including important fish stocks and tens of thousands of overwintering and migrating birds who use the mud flats.' There are also concerns about the Silver Pit Marine Conservation Zone further offshore from Lincolnshire 's coast, which is 'a unique habitat for fish where seabirds and cetaceans feed'. The prime minister's official spokesperson previously said it was an 'extremely concerning situation'. 'Environmental toll could be severe' Dr Tom Webb, senior lecturer in marine ecology and conservation at the University of Sheffield, said: 'The wildlife of the Yorkshire coast and Humber Estuary is of immense biological, cultural and economic importance. In addition to the wealth of marine life that is present all year round, this time of the year is crucial for many migratory species. 'Chemical pollution resulting from incidents of this kind can directly impact birds, and it can also have long-lasting effects on the marine food webs that support them.' Dr Alex Lukyanov, researcher on advanced mathematical models of oil spills from the University of Reading, said: 'Oil spills like the one in the North Sea are affected by multiple factors. The size of the spill, weather conditions, sea currents, water waves, wind patterns, and the type of oil involved all play crucial roles in determining environmental outcomes. 'This particular incident is troubling because it appears to involve persistent oil, which breaks up slowly in water.' Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 11:59 Cargo tank was carrying sodium cyanide - what is it? The Solong was transporting 'an unknown quantity of alcohol and 15 containers of sodium cyanide', according to Lloyd's List. It remains unclear whether the cyanide has entered the water. Sodium cyanide can release highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas, which disrupts the body's ability to use oxygen, according to the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) also notes that sodium cyanide can convert into hydrogen cyanide upon contact with water. Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 11:44 Questions over North Sea collision arise despite advanced technical equipment The cause of the collision remains unclear. Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the nearby Port of Grimsby East, told CNN: 'It seems a mystery, really, because all the vessels now have very highly sophisticated technical equipment to plot courses and to look at any obstacles or anything they've got to avoid. 'It's difficult to actually suggest what went on, other than the fact it should never have happened,' he added. Mr Boyers said the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) would likely investigate the incident. 'How did that vessel continue plowing into the berth vessel? There must have been some warning signs. They must have been able to detect it on the radar,' Mr Boyers said. Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 11:28 Picture shows extent of damage on Stena Immaculate Jabed Ahmed 11 March 2025 11:21 Watch | Yorkshire Wildlife Trust warns chemical spill could threaten hundreds of thousands of birds along Yorkshire Coast Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 11:14 Oil spill threatens vital wildlife habitats along Lincolnshire coast Tammy Smalley, head of conservation at Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, warned that the North Lincolnshire coast is at risk following the collision, including key nature reserves. Ms Smalley said: 'The north Lincolnshire coast is at risk which includes our special – and vast – nature reserves, Donna Nook and Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes. The area is home to internationally important populations of seabirds and seals, and fragile habitats including saltmarsh, mudflats and seagrass meadows. 'Depending on wind direction and contaminants, we are also concerned about the Silver Pit Marine Conservation Zone farther offshore – a unique habitat for fish where seabirds and cetaceans feed. Much of the Lincolnshire coast offshore is within marine protected areas for habitat features such as sub-tidal sand dunes. 'Although the grey seals at Donna Nook are not currently pupping, the seals including juveniles are still in the area. They haul out on sand banks offshore and feed in the wider North Sea area.' Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 10:59 Environmental group warns of toxic impact as oil spill threatens marine protected areas Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, said: 'This incident is a shocking reminder of the ferocious polluting power of oil. 'We are seeing burning slicks, the threat of heavy fuel oil, and toxic chemicals leaking in or near not one but two marine protected areas (MPAs). Places that should be safe havens for wildlife.' Mr Tagholm said the Southern North Sea and Holderness MPAs protect declining harbour porpoises and rich seafloor habitats, which are both highly sensitive to toxic spills. 'Oil is always an accident waiting to happen in our ocean and we are all familiar with its devastating impacts – seabirds slick with oil, marine life struggling in tarry tidelines, and a toxic legacy that can impact wildlife and coastal communities for years. More oil will always result in more spills,' he added. 'It is also deeply concerning that the cargo vessel is reportedly carrying sodium cyanide, a severely toxic chemical that can devastate marine wildlife if in high enough concentrations. For now, we don't know how much, if any, reached the water but we have sent an Oceana team to the North East to monitor developments.' Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 10:44 The ships involved in the accident Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 10:30 Who is likely to be responsible for the clean-up costs? Harj Narulla, a climate and environmental barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, said: 'Under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, the UK Government is likely to meet many of the immediate clean-up and emergency response costs. The vessel owners and their insurers may also meet costs. 'The Government may in due course seek to recover their cleanup costs from the owners and insurers of both vessels. 'If other parties suffer loss — such as local fishing companies, local government or tourism operators — they could also commence claims against the vessel owners and insurers. ' Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 10:17 Who might be liable for the accident? Harj Narulla, a climate and environmental lawyer, explained: 'While we still do not know all the facts, it appears as though the Solong collided with the Stena Immaculate, which was at anchor. 'Despite this, the Stena Immaculate and its insurers are strictly liable under UK law for any oil pollution coming from its cargo. 'Similarly, both the Solong and Stena Immaculate and their insurers would be liable for any pollution coming from bunker oil released from the vessels. 'If investigations show that the Solong is responsible for the collision, we may see the Stena Immaculate pursuing legal action against the Solong's owners and their insurers. 'This is likely to be in UK courts, but could also occur in the US or Portugal as the flag States for each vessel.'
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
North Sea collision could be ‘devastating' to already battered area, experts say
The North Sea collision between an oil tanker and a container ship could have a 'devastating' impact on a marine environment already facing multiple pressures – and hit by other wildlife disasters in recent years. Overfishing, the offshore oil industry and more recently the offshore wind sector have turned the North Sea into a 'battered industrial landscape' – and the latest incident could prove to be a setback after some signs of recovery in recent years, experts warned. The Stena Immaculate tanker suffered a ruptured cargo tank when it was struck by the Solong container ship at approximately 10am on Monday, causing 'multiple explosions' and fires, with jet fuel released into the water. Concerns are also growing over reports that the Solong was transporting sodium cyanide, although nothing so far suggests the chemical has leaked from the second ship. Local wildlife trusts have raised concerns about the impact of any pollution from the two vessels on an array of species, including threatened seabird colonies, grey seals, harbour porpoises, fish, and minke whales. Nature-rich sites such as Flamborough Cliffs and the Humber Estuary – where conservationists have been restoring seagrass and oysters – could be hit, campaigners warned. Martin Slater, director of operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said East Yorkshire's coast was home to significant colonies of seabirds including puffins, razorbills, gannets and kittiwakes, which were gathering offshore ahead of the nesting season, as well as wintering waders and migrant birds. A statement regarding the deeply concerning incident off the Yorkshire coast north of Spurn Point this morning: — Lincs Wildlife Trust (@LincsWildlife) March 10, 2025 'We're very worried indeed about the threat to these birds,' he said. 'If pollution spillage enters the Humber, this could potentially be devasting for the wildlife of the estuary, including important fish stocks and tens of thousands of overwintering and migrating birds who use the mud flats.' It is not the first time in recent years there have been major incidents harming the region's wildlife, with a mass die-off of crustaceans on the coastline from Hartlepool to Whitby between October and December 2021, which saw dying marine creatures washed ashore, 'twitching' and displaying lethargic behaviour. The incident sparked a major debate over the cause, with official investigations initially pointing the finger at a natural algae bloom, before independent research suggested a toxin was to blame. A subsequent panel of independent experts convened by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs chief scientific officer Gideon Henderson later concluded: 'A novel pathogen is considered the most likely cause of mortality.' However, the panel was 'unable to identify a clear and convincing single cause for the unusual crustacean mortality'. More recently, sea bird colonies along the North Sea such as the National Trust's Farne Islands, home to important populations of threatened puffins and other species, were hit by devastating outbreaks of bird flu in 2022 and 2023. And efforts to close UK waters to fishing of sand eels – a key food source for seabirds such as puffins but also targeted for oil and animal feed – have been challenged by the EU. Marine campaigner and founder of the Blue Marine Foundation Charles Clover said: 'The North Sea is a fairly battered industrial landscape, which in places have been showing signs of recovery. It's a tragedy that this has happened.' He added that it was not clear whether the current disaster would have an effect beyond the local area. Mr Clover also said the region had been affected by overfishing, depleting what used to be 'the richest sea on Earth'. 'Its heart, the Dogger Bank, was ruthlessly overfished but now is a marine protected area, so there are some signs of hope.' But he added there were a 'staggering' number of wind turbines going into the North Sea, following on from the much dirtier offshore oil industry, which also potentially affect wildlife such as seabirds and habitats including the seabed.
Dubai Eye
11-03-2025
- General
- Dubai Eye
Tanker hired by US military ablaze off UK after hit by container ship
A tanker carrying jet fuel for the US military was hit by a container ship off northeast England on Monday, with the collision igniting a blaze on both vessels, causing multiple explosions and forcing both crews to abandon ship. The tanker, which can carry tens of thousands of tonnes of jet fuel, was at anchor when the smaller container ship struck it, rupturing its cargo tank and releasing fuel into the sea, its operator said. Its owner Stena Bulk gave the same details. Two maritime security sources said there was no indication of any malicious activity or other actors involved in the incident. Local officials said 32 casualties had been met by ambulances but by mid-afternoon only one remained in hospital. But there was still a risk of environmental damage, experts said. The tanker, the Stena Immaculate, operated by US logistics group Crowley, was carrying Jet-A1 fuel when it was struck by the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship Solong while anchored near Hull, Crowley wrote on X. The tanker is part of a US government programme designed to supply the armed forces with fuel when required. A US military spokesperson told Reuters on Monday it had been on a short-term charter to the US Navy's Military Sealift Command. The Solong is carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide, a toxic chemical used mainly in gold mining, and an unknown quantity of alcohol, according to a casualty report from maritime data provider Lloyd's List Intelligence. Emergency teams sent a helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, lifeboats and nearby vessels with firefighting capability to the incident on Monday morning. "A fire occurred as a result of the allision and fuel was reported released," Crowley said. An allision is a collision where one vessel is stationary. Crowley said there had been multiple explosions on board. Martin Slater, director of operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said East Yorkshire's coast was home to protected and significant colonies of seabirds including puffins and gannets, with many offshore on the sea ahead of the nesting season. A Greenpeace spokesperson said any impact would depend on factors including the amount and type of oil carried by the tanker, the fuel carried by both ships, and how much of that, if any, had entered the water, plus the weather conditions. One insurance specialist said the pollution risk was lower than if the tanker had been carrying crude oil. "A lot depends really on cargo carried, how many tanks were breached and how bad the fire is," the insurance source said. Mark Sephton, professor of Organic Geochemistry at Imperial College London, added that the relatively small hydrocarbons of jet fuel could be degraded by bacteria more quickly than larger molecules. "The fact that we are moving into warmer temperatures will also speed up biodegradation rates," he said. The incident occurred in a busy waterway, with traffic running from the ports along Britain's northeast coast to the Netherlands and Germany, shipping industry sources said. Maritime analytics website MarineTraffic said the 183-metre (600 ft)-long Stena Immaculate was anchored off Immingham, northeast England, when it was struck by the 140-metre (460 ft)-long Solong, which was en route to Rotterdam. Ship insurer Skuld of Norway would only confirm that the Solong was covered with it for protection & indemnity (P&I), a segment of insurance that covers environmental damage and crew injuries or fatalities.
