Following a North Sea collision on Monday morning, fires still blaze on an oil tanker loaded with jet fuel and a cargo ship carrying extremely poisonous chemicals. HM Coastguard reports one crew member still missing and calls off the search.
The incident included the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship Solong and the US-registered oil tanker Stena Immaculate, which was fuelling the US troops. Matthew Atkinson, Divisional Commander for Coastguard, verified that one person had been brought to the hospital and that 36 persons had been rescued overall. The missing crew member had been on Solong at the incident.
One of the crew members on Stena Immaculate related the terrifying events, saying, “The Solong came out of the blue and collided with us at 16 knots. We had not time to respond. Taking just what they had on hand, the team hurried to the life rafts.”
What Environmental Hazards Exist?
Once it was discovered that some jet fuel had leaked into the sea off the Humber Estuary, efforts to evaluate the environmental damage were in continuous flux. Managing Stena Immaculate, maritime company Crowley claimed that following a cargo tank rupture, there were “many explosions onboard”.
Although a US official confirmed the ship had been transporting jet fuel “in support of the Department of Defense,” he reassured military operations or combat preparedness would not be impacted by the event.
Saying they were “very concerned” about “multiple toxic hazards” stemming from the North Sea Collision, Greenpeace voiced serious worries over the possible environmental calamity.
High-boiling-point jet fuel evaporates slowly and is rather poisonous, so endangering aquatic life that comes into contact with it. Since jet fuel can lower oxygen levels in the ocean, which causes fish and other marine life to suffocate, the consequences on marine ecosystems may be disastrous. Moreover, marine creatures and seabirds that come into contact with the polluted water could get serious burns or poisoning from the gasoline. Depending on the degree of the leak, environmental experts have said the clean-up operation can last weeks or even months.
Carrier of the Cargo Ship?
With commercial uses in metal plating and dye manufacture, the Solong had been carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide, a very dangerous chemical. Because sodium cyanide interferes with oxygen absorption, it can be fatal even if it dissolves readily in water. The existence of such a dangerous chemical has increased worries on possible harm to coastal towns and long-term environmental degradation.
Whether any sodium cyanide has washed into the water is yet unknown. On the other hand, if it combines with water, it may cause hydrogen cyanide gas to leak, endangering rescue efforts greatly. Expert on environmental toxicology Professor Alastair Hay said, “If sodium cyanide comes into contact with water, there is a risk of some hydrogen cyanide gas being produced, which could present a danger to those involved in the rescue efforts.”
To find any probable contamination, authorities are attentively observing the water quality in the impacted area. Environmental organizations and marine biologists have expressed worries about even minute levels of sodium cyanide in the water having grave effects on aquatic life. Local fishing villages are also under great alert since any pollution could make seafood from the area unsuitable for eating.
How Are Governments Reacting?
Launched was a coordinated emergency response with four lifeboats, a Coastguard rescue aircraft, and surrounding vessels fitted for firefighting. Combining fire, hazardous materials, and the extent of the disaster, the operation has been characterized as one of the most difficult marine rescues in recent years.
Four firefighting boats were sent by marine services company Svitzer to combat the flames. “For them, jet fuel and oil provide a challenge. Michael Paterson, the managing director of the company, pointed out that although it is clearly flammable, there are also poisons and fumes. “We gave saving the crew top priority. Although I have seen other major incidents, this is among the most severe ones.
Working nonstop to confine the fire and stop other explosions, firefighters have Emergency response teams are employing specific tools and fire suppression methods to reduce the possibility of more harm given the volatile character of the fuel and chemicals involved.
To decide its future actions, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch has started compiling data and doing a preliminary analysis. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is assessing if a counter-pollution reaction is needed in the meantime. Several foreign environmental groups have pushed authorities to act quickly to minimize any long-term ecological damage.
Regarding the incident, what have officials said?
The UK Transport Secretary honored the attempts at rescue by the Coastguard, RNLI, and emergency services. “They were on the scene rapidly, have helped rescue those in immediate danger, and I know they will continue to work tirelessly over the coming days,” Heidi Alexander said.
With the Prime Minister’s official spokesman saying, “We thank the emergency services for their rapid response,” Downing Street characterized the circumstances as “very concerning.” Working closely with the Coastguard, the Department of Transport is helping to support the incident’s response.
To ascertain the reason of the North Sea Collision and evaluate whether human mistake or negligence contributed, authorities are also supposed to start an extensive inquiry. Though more research is required to provide a clear answer, initial reports indicate that bad weather might have contributed to the crash.
What Effects Might There Be for Maritime Traffic?
Stena Immaculate was anchored in the Humber Estuary at the time of the collision after leaving the Greek port of Agioi Theodoroi, according to MarineTraffic. On route from the Scottish port of Grangemouth to Rotterdam, Netherlands, the Solong
The North Sea collision leaves the Humber Estuary blocked to all marine traffic. P&O Ferries said that whilst authorities evaluate the matter, departure schedules from Hull and Rotterdam remain unverified. Closing such a vital shipping channel is predicted to affect marine trade in the area, so causing delays in cargo shipments and maybe financial losses for shipping firms.
Though more information are expected in the next days, the reason of the North Sea Collision is yet under investigation. Safety precautions are under more scrutiny in the shipping sector nowadays; experts demand better navigation rules and tougher laws to stop such mishaps going forward.
Furthermore, stressing the need of better communication between vessels, upgraded tracking technologies, and crew member training to handle emergency conditions are maritime safety specialists. Authorities’ ongoing assessment of the damage begs issues of the long-term effects of this calamity on coastal towns, marine ecosystems, and the maritime sector generally.
