Ship collision in front of the North Sea coast: Environmental risk from burning tankers!

Ship collision in front of the North Sea coast: Environmental risk from burning tankers!

On Monday morning, a dramatic collision between the container ship "Solong" and the "Stena Immaculate" tanker occurred in front of the British North Sea coast. In the accident that took place near the coast, both ships were temporarily on fire. At least one tank tank, which was loaded with 220,000 barrels (almost 35 million liters), was damaged in the impact. The cause of the accident has so far been unknown, while the authorities described the incident as fast and dynamic.

The coast guard carried out several surveillance flights in the days after the incident. However, these showed no evidence of dirt on the water surface. This indicates that the environmental damage after the collision could be limited, such as radioenneperuhr.de . Initial investigations have shown that the kerosene is probably evaporated due to the fires.

rescue measures and rescue work

A total of 36 crew members of both involved ships were safely brought ashore. While most remained intact, a crew member was missing. The search for this man was hired on Monday evening; The authorities assume that he has died. Another member of the "Solong" received medical help. The captain of the freighter, a 59-year-old Russian citizen, was arrested by the British police for negligent killing.

The “Solong” was able to carry the recovery team that is for safety. Despite initial fears that the cargo ship could fall or could run aged, these worries have not yet been confirmed. The extinguishing work and security measures on both ships continue to continue, while a smaller fire still exists on the "Solong".

environmental concerns and reactions

The situation is not without risks. Greenpeace and other environmentalists express extreme concern about the possible danger to the environment, especially in view of the fact that the "Solong" also transported 15 containers with toxic sodium cyanide. This additional danger could exacerbate environmental consequences, since experts warn that the greatest damage to the fuel of the ships could assume.

The authorities are working intensively to determine the extent of possible environmental damage. A comprehensive examination is imminent to evaluate the exact effects and damage. In view of the scope of the incident, the situation remains tense and the concerns about the marine environment are great, such as nau.ch reported.

In this tense situation, the focus is on developments in the coming days. The reporting on the environmental consequences and the progress in the rescue work is followed with the greatest attention.