The recent crash between an oil tanker and a cargo ship off the coast of East Yorkshire has caused serious concern among environmental groups, as jet fuel and dangerous chemicals may be leaking into the North Sea.
The collision happened on March 10, about 10 nautical miles from the shore, and involved the MV Stena Immaculate (an oil tanker carrying jet fuel) and the Portuguese cargo ship Solong, which was also carrying toxic chemicals.
One crew member from the cargo ship is missing and the search has been called off, while 36 others were rescued, and one person is being treated in hospital.
This was reported by Euronews.
Environmental Agencies on High Alert
The oil tanker was carrying jet fuel for the U.S. government, according to its operator, Crowley. Some of that fuel has already started leaking into the sea. Experts say jet fuel is harmful to marine life and breaks down slowly in the ocean.
The fire on the tanker is expected to burn off some of the fuel, but there’s still a real danger to animals in the area.
Sensitive Ecosystems Under Threat
Environmental groups warn that the spill is close to two important protected areas in the North Sea — one for harbour porpoises and one for seafloor habitats.
“These porpoises need to come to the surface to breathe, and now they could be inhaling toxic fumes or swallowing oil,” said Hugo Tagholm, head of Oceana UK.
The area is also home to large numbers of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and gannets, which nest along the Bempton Cliffs. Dave O’Hara from the RSPB said these birds could be badly affected if the pollution spreads.
Fears Over Toxic Chemical Leak
The cargo ship was carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide, a very dangerous chemical. It’s not yet clear if any of it has spilled into the sea.
Dr Paul Johnston from Greenpeace said the situation involves “multiple toxic hazards” and warned that even fuel from the ships could seriously harm sea life and nearby nature reserves.
He called on authorities to act quickly: “They need to assess the damage and try to stop any more toxic substances from leaking.”
Local Wildlife Groups Step In
Volunteer group Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue, based nearby, has updated its emergency response plan in case oil-covered animals wash up on the beach.
They’ve set up a special hotline and are asking people not to touch any injured animals, but to call for help instead.
Hundreds of people have offered to help on social media, with some saying they helped during the Sea Empress oil spill in Wales back in 1996.
Environmental groups say this crash is also a reminder of the risks linked to transporting oil and chemicals.
“Spills like this happen too often wherever fossil fuels are involved,” said Tagholm. “They don’t just hurt nature — they can also harm local businesses, like fishing and shellfish farms.”
He added that the UK needs to focus more on clean, renewable energy, to avoid future disasters like this one.
