The collision between an oil tanker and a cargo ship, resulting in a ‘massive fireball,’ may have severe environmental consequences.
A significant maritime rescue operation is taking place in the North Sea, approximately 10 miles off the English coast today (March 10), following a crash between two vessels that led to a fire.
HM Coastguard reported that the incident occurred near the Humber Estuary, with the alarm raised at around 9.48am.
The crash involved the US-flagged Stena Immaculate and the MV Solong from Portugal. The Stena Immaculate was traveling from Scotland to Rotterdam when it allegedly collided with the stationary oil tanker.
Although 37 people have been rescued from the waters surrounding the blazing wrecks, there are concerns about potential irreversible ecological harm due to the collision.
The oil tanker is believed to have been carrying Jet A1 fuel, which was reportedly ‘on fire and in the water’ according to a distress call.
Large oil spills pose a threat to marine ecosystems, endangering birds, sea life, and coastal habitats.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), clean-up efforts can ‘never remove 100 percent’ of the oil spilled in water.
Wildlife experts are concerned about a significant Gannet bird colony near the impact site, which could be adversely affected by the spill, as reported by Metro.
Dave O’Hara, senior site manager at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, expressed worry: “We are extremely concerned about the potential for a leak from the tanker as oil pollution can seriously damage habitats and be lethal to seabirds.”
The Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue committee has responded by setting up a dedicated ‘oiled wildlife hotline’ to aid affected animals, mainly birds.
A BBC climate and science reporter stated that prior oil tanker spills have led to some of the UK’s worst environmental disasters. For example, a 1967 incident resulted in over 100,000 tonnes of crude oil polluting the English Channel, killing thousands of seabirds.
The reporter added: “The size of the spill, weather and sea conditions, and the type of oil being carried play a big role in the outcomes for wildlife.”
In the 1967 SS Torey Canyon spill, both crude and ‘persistent’ oils like marine diesel were involved, which ‘break up more slowly and can smother habitats and wildlife, affecting their ability to regulate body temperature and can result in death.’
The burning vessels and the resulting black smoke can also pose short-term risks to wildlife, such as birds.
Toxic light oils like diesel present a threat to animals that directly encounter them.
However, Greenpeace UK commented that it is ‘too early’ to assess the damage’s extent but emphasized its ‘great concern’ due to the collision’s speed and its aftermath.
A spokesperson noted: “Sea and weather conditions will also be important in determining how any spill behaves.
“In the case of an oil spill or any loss of hazardous cargo from the container ship involved, the speed of the response will also be crucial in limiting any impact.”
The UK Coastguard is currently evaluating a counter-pollution response following the incident.
A UK Coastguard spokesperson stated: “The incident remains ongoing and an assessment of the likely counter pollution response required is being enacted.”
Environment Minister Baroness Hayman mentioned: “We are speaking very closely in DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) to the Department for Transport and Maritime and Coastguard Agency, who are leading the Government response on this and who are at the moment assessing the situation.”