Fear of toxic chemical leaks due to major ship collisions in British waters

Fire and rescue service Dauss fires after a collision between an oil tanker and a cargo ship carrying sodium cyanide

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Scientists fear that a major collision between a cargo ship and a fuel tanker in the UK’s North Sea could lead to major leaks of toxic chemicals into sensitive marine habitats, with devastating consequences for local wildlife.

When struck by Containership Solon on March 10, a tanker known as the Steny Maculate was moored off the coast of Hull and carried 18,000 tonnes of jet fuel. Solon carried 15 containers of highly toxic sodium of sodium, According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence. Both ships carried bunker-fueled tanks to drive the journey.

Ernst Russ, owner of the Solon freighter, said in a statement that both ships maintained “significant damages.” A huge fire quickly erupted on the ship, spitting out clouds of black smoke. One of Solong’s crew is still reported missing.

“We are very concerned about the multiple toxic hazards these chemicals can bring to marine life.” Paul Johnston in At Greenpeace Research Laboratories The University of Exeter in the UK said in a statement.

The crash accident occurred in the waters that are home to internationally important groups of bred seabirds, such as Gannett, Kitty Wake and Tseer. Harbor mice and grey seals breed nearby, and the location is also on a travel route for birds and waterfowl strolls.

“Chemical contamination caused by these types of incidents can have a direct impact on birds and can have long-term effects on the marine food networks that support them,” he said. Tom Webb In a statement, at the University of Sheffield, UK. “We hope we can quickly lock out the spill and minimize pollution.”

Crowley, a US-based company that manages Stena Immaculate; I said Financial Times That jet fuel is leaking from a ruptured cargo tank into the North Sea. Jet fuel is made from light hydrocarbons and evaporates relatively quickly, as it may limit environmental impact.

However, he said that the release of bunker fuel would have a longer lasting effect Alex Lukanov In a statement, at the UK reading university. “Married diesel can suffocate habitats and wildlife, affecting its ability to regulate body temperature, leading to death,” he said. “Environmental charges can be serious.”

The release of sodium cyanide inhibits oxygen uptake, which can pose a serious risk to aquatic organisms. It is not yet clear whether sodium cyanide has entered the water.

Johnston urged British authorities to take urgent action to contain the release of toxic substances from the ship. “I hope that environmental disasters will be avoided,” he said.

The UK government said it is working closely with the Coast Guard Services to support its response to the incident. Speaking to the British Parliament on March 10th Baronness Sue HeymanThe Environment and Environment Department minister said he was “shocked and concerned” in the news of the conflict. She said work is ongoing to assess the scale and impact of collision pollution.