North Sea collision sparks fears of ‘devastating spill’ after cargo ship laden with toxic chemical smashes into oil tanker

This morning’s devastating collision between a cargo ship and an oil tanker in the North Sea could lead to a disaster on the British coast, officials have warned.

“Multiple explosions” were heard as the Stena Immaculate tanker was struck by the Solong container ship – which was carrying toxic compound sodium cyanide.

Shipping company Ernst Russ, which operates the Solong, had said earlier on Monday evening that efforts to locate one of the 14 crew members aboard its Solong container ship were “ongoing”.

Sadly, the Coastguard confirmed later on Monday that a search drive had been called off.

The tanker was operating as part of the US Government’s Tanker Security Programme – a fleet of commercial vessels which can be contracted to carry fuel for the military when needed.

And though its sodium cyanide payload can produce harmful gas when combined with water, it remains unclear whether there had been any leak.

Either way, jet fuel has been spilling out into the North Sea.

And now, UN Maritime Security chief Chris Reynolds has warned that any oil spilled from the wreckage would have a “very short window” to be removed before it could pose a terrifying environmental threat to the area.

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Any oil that escapes the vessel could emulsify and then potentially reach the shore as an “oil emulsion”, which would have a “devastating effect” on wildlife and the natural area.

“If the oil’s not burnt off by the fire, [it] will stay there,” he said.

“There’s a very short limited window which you can spray that oil and to make it disperse and go into the water column, and for microbes to ease up the oil naturally over time.”

While 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.

“Wading birds and waterfowl gather in large numbers as they move between wintering and breeding grounds, while soon Yorkshire’s iconic seabirds will be coming inshore to breed at sites like the world famous Brampton Cliffs.

“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.

“We have to hope that any spills can be quickly contained and pollution minimised.”

Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has said: “I am hugely grateful to HM Coastguard, the RNLI and emergency services who have responded to this incident.

“They were on the scene swiftly, have helped rescue those in immediate danger and I know they will continue to work tirelessly over the coming days.

“My thoughts are with all those involved, especially the family of the missing crew member.

“The Maritime Accident Investigation Branch has begun a preliminary assessment, and I am working closely with the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) as they conduct an assessment of any counter-pollution response which may be required over the coming days.”