What impact will the oil tanker explosion have on the environment?
Wildlife experts have warned of potential damage to a major bird colony close to where an oil tanker and cargo ship crashed in the North Sea today.
A coastguard helicopter was called to the scene where the MV Stena Immaculate, a US-flagged tanker, was believed to be at anchor in the Humber Estuary.
The incident occurred at around 10am this morning.
However, there are now fears that a group of Gannets might well be impacted following the spill.
Bird experts at the RSPB say that there is a colony just 50 miles up the coast at Bempton Cliffs, which could be impacted by any pollution.
Dave O’Hara, senior site manager at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, said: ‘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.’
Mr O’Hara stressed that the RSPB’s ‘first thoughts’ are for the ‘safety of everyone on board’, but shed a light on the potential impact on the environment.
He said: ‘The East Coast is home to internationally important populations of seabirds. The incident is also close to Bempton Cliffs, home to the biggest gannet colony in England.’
The UK Coastguard has said it is looking at the ‘likely’ counter-pollution response that may be needed following the incident.
A UK Coastguard spokesperson said: ‘The incident remains ongoing and an assessment of the likely counter pollution response required is being enacted.’
What happens when jet fuel mixes with water?
It is not clear what happens when jet fuel mixes with water. Initial research by Metro indicates that studies into what happens when fuel of this kind hits water is limited.
Tests of jet fuel show it rises to the top when mixed with water, however.
What is known is that different types of fuel all cause problems for the environment when spilled in significant quantities. Wildlife can be harmed, along with damage to local eco-systems.
Reports have suggested the tanker could be carrying jet fuel.
It is not known what the tanker was carrying, but its size suggests a significant amount of fuel could be carried onboard the ship.
It has not been confirmed that any jet fuel was onboard.
How long will the oil stay in the water for?
Clean-up operations can be complicated depending on where the spill took place.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said on its website that “cleanup activities can never remove 100% of the oil spilled”.
Environmental advocates at the nonprofit Ground Truth Alaska said oil in water takes “anywhere from days to decades depending on conditions”.
Factors on how quickly oil will breakdown include the weather, temperature of the ocean and even the tide, among others.
When was the last oil spill in the UK?
A clean-up was sparked in February when diesel spilled into a chalk stream in the River Wandle, southwest London.
An estimated 4,000 litres of oil was spilled into the river via surface water drains, the Environment Agency said. The Wandle flows between The River Thames in Wandsworth and Croydon.
Further significant spills have also occurred. Around 200 barrels worth of oily water also leaked into Poole Harbour in March 2023.
Perenco UK, the operator, said microbial corrosion ina buried pipeline caused the leak from Wytch Farm oil field.
Poole Harbour is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and is the largest natural harbour in Europe.
As reported by the BBC, Perenco has said “clear measures” were taken following the spill to prevent it from occurring in the future.
Conservationists have back calls for an end to extraction at the site.
How is the rest of the UK going to be impacted by this spill?
An oil leak in the North Sea as a result of the incident has not been confirmed, but this is being assessed.
Wildlife experts have raised concerns, while the area of any potential leak is currently unclear.
A total of 32 casualties have been reported so far and the full extent of the damage is not yet clear.
The chief executive of the Port of Grimsby East, Martin Boyers, said casualties were brought in alive.
What are Gannets?
Gannets are identifiable by their white body and black wingtips.
They are distinctively shaped – with a long neck and long pointed beak, long pointed tail, and long pointed wings.
At sea they flap and then glide low over the water, often travelling in small groups.
They feed by flying high and circling before plunging into the sea.
They breed in significant numbers in only a few locations and are an Amber List species.
He said: ‘We have received three vessels bringing casualties in. First one brought 13 in, second one 10 and third nine.
‘Ambulances waiting on the quay to take them to Princess Diana Hospital.’
A HM Coastguard spokesperson said earlier today: ‘HM Coastguard is currently coordinating the emergency response to reports of a collision between a tanker and cargo vessel off the coast of East Yorkshire.
‘The alarm was raised at 9.48am.
‘A Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Humberside was called, alongside lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Maplethorpe and Cleethorpes, an HM Coastguard fixed wing aircraft, and nearby vessels with fire-fighting capability.
‘The incident remains ongoing.’
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