Experts on the climate catastrophe from the fallout of this environmental disaster. The Stena Immaculate’s owner confirmed at least one fuel tank had ruptured on the tanker. But it’s unknown how much jet fuel has entered the water.
Jet fuel is toxic and if ingested, can kill marine organisms, which can then become harmful to seabirds that feed on them.
Local wildlife trusts have warned of a potentially “devastating” impact on local habitats and species including threatened seabird colonies, grey seals, harbour porpoises, fish and minke whales.
Ship Collision Investigation
The captain of the Solong cargo ship, a Russian national, has been arrested following a collision with the US-flagged tanker, Stena Immaculate, in the North Sea.
The incident, which occurred while the tanker was anchored and carrying significant quantities of jet fuel for the US military, resulted in both ships catching fire, prompting intense rescue operations. British police have opened a criminal investigation into the maritime crash, treating it as gross negligence manslaughter.
Maritime Safety Concerns
The Port of Grimsby East’s CEO, Martyn Boyers, expressed astonishment over the Solong’s collision with the Stena Immaculate, citing the advanced technological capabilities of modern shipping vessels.
He highlighted the mystery surrounding the crash, questioning how a vessel could override established navigational safeguards, like radar systems, designed to detect obstacles. This incident raises significant concerns about maritime safety and navigational protocols in busy shipping lanes.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
Following the collision, a search operation resulted in the rescue of 14 crew members from the Solong and all 23 from the Stena Immaculate. Unfortunately, one crew member from the Solong is presumed dead after the search was suspended.
The Stena Immaculate was previously carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel, raising severe environmental concerns about potential spills and their impact on marine wildlife.
Environmental Risks and Cleanup
Environmental group Oceanu UK voiced grave concerns over the potential ecological impact of jet fuel spills from the Stena Immaculate, warning it could harm marine life and ecosystems.
Additionally, initial reports of the Solong carrying sodium cyanide raised alarm, but the ship’s owners clarified that only empty containers had been on board. This incident underlines the need for stringent environmental protections in maritime operations.
Experts say the extent of the risk will depend on how much fuel has leaked out and the speed at which authorities contain the spill. It also depends on natural conditions, such as how quickly bacteria can break down the liquid.
Ongoing Fire and Investigation
The Solong remains ablaze more than a day post-collision, while the fire on the Stena Immaculate has been extinguished. An investigation continues as to how such a serious maritime incident occurred.
The arrested captain’s insights may be crucial, but ongoing investigations are crucial to prevent future occurrences. The incident spotlights not only navigational failures but also the broader implications for fuel transport safety amid environmental vulnerabilities.
The UK is responsible for responding to marine pollution up to 200 nautical miles from land, with a specialist coastguard team expected to lead the effort.
After finding the source of the spill, teams will work to stop the fuel from spreading using a variety of methods.
Options include deploying inflatable tubes called booms, which are hundreds of metres in length and laid on the water’s surface to stop the oil from spreading.
Teams could also use mechanical devices called skimmers, which are designed to float on the surface and pump contained oil into waste storage units.
Chemical dispersion could also be used. This involves spraying a specially formulated dispersant from modified aircraft or boats which breaks the oil into smaller droplets that sink.