British officials are evaluating potential environmental damage after a cargo ship carrying toxic chemicals collided with a tanker transporting jet fuel for the US military.
The incident, which occurred on Monday off the eastern coast of England, led to explosions and fires that burned for 24 hours before being contained.
The Portugal-flagged container ship Solong struck the US-flagged tanker MV Stena Immaculate near Hull, causing significant structural damage and triggering a large-scale rescue operation. The Stena Immaculate, which was anchored at the time, sustained a ruptured cargo tank containing Jet-A1 fuel, leading to an unknown amount of fuel spilling into the North Sea.
Emergency response teams, including lifeboats, firefighting vessels, helicopters, and aircraft, assisted in the evacuation of 37 crew members from both vessels. One crew member from the Solong remains missing, and the search was called off late Monday. One person was hospitalized, while the rest were safely brought ashore.
Authorities and environmental groups are closely monitoring the situation, particularly the potential impact on marine ecosystems. The Solong was transporting sodium cyanide, a toxic chemical that can produce harmful gases upon contact with water. However, it remains unclear whether any of the chemical has leaked.
Greenpeace UK stated that it is too early to determine the extent of environmental damage. Experts warn that the combination of oil and chemical spills could pose risks to marine life, including seabirds, whales, and dolphins. The affected waters are known for their rich biodiversity, with migratory species relying on the area at this time of year.
Alex Lukyanov, an oil spill specialist at the University of Reading, noted that the environmental impact would depend on factors such as weather conditions, sea currents, and the type of oil involved. He expressed concern that the jet fuel spill could be particularly damaging as it breaks down slowly in water.
The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch has launched an inquiry to determine why the Solong collided with the anchored tanker. The investigation will be conducted in coordination with US and Portuguese authorities, as the ships were registered under their respective flags.
British government officials assured the public that air quality remains normal and that measures are in place to contain potential pollution. The Coast Guard has deployed booms and aircraft to mitigate oil spread, while ongoing monitoring will assess the need for further cleanup efforts.
The Associated Press, Deutsche Welle, the New York Times, and BBC contributed to this report.
