Firm says Solong container ship has no containers of sodium cyanide on board
It's after an oil tanker and cargo ship collided in the North Sea off the East Yorkshire coast.
Last updated 11th Mar 2025
The shipping firm Ernst Russ who own the stricken Solong container ship says it has 'no containers of sodium cyanide on board'.
It's after two ships collided just off the Humber Estuary yesterday ( March 10th)
The tanker - which was carrying jet fuel - is leaking into the North Sea,
Meanwhile the search for a missing crew member has ended after over 30 people were rescued and taken ashore at Grimsby Docks.
A statement from Ernst Russ said:
"We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the missing crew member, mindful that the search has been called off. Our first thoughts must be with them at this uncertain and distressing time. All necessary support is being provided to the family.
"We continue to follow the situation closely surrounding this collision incident involving our vessel, Solong in the North Sea, off Hull, UK.
"Our focus remains the well-being of our 13 crew members that were evacuated from the container ship. We also recognise the dangers that others are faced with as they work to stabilise and secure the vessels and cargos involved.
"We are able to confirm that there are no containers on board ladened with sodium cyanide, as has been misreported.
"There are four empty containers that have previously contained the hazardous chemical, and these containers will continue to be monitored
"We would like to thank all of the emergency responders who have urgently deployed to the scene in support of this response effort.
"Our team is actively engaged with all local authorities, and we will work with clean-up teams to ensure every effort is made to mitigate further impacts on the marine environment.
"Ernst Russ will fully assist with the investigations that are to follow."
A Transport Minister made a statement in the House of Commons:
Transport minister Mike Kane said the Government's "working assumption" is a missing crew member from a cargo ship involved in a collision in the North Sea has died.
Mr Kane told the House of Commons: "The full crew of 23 on the Immaculate is accounted for and onshore. One sailor was treated at the scene but declined any further medical assistance.
"Thirteen of the 14 sailors of the MV Solong are accounted for. Search and rescue operations for the missing sailor continued throughout yesterday but were called off yesterday evening at the point at which the chances of their survival had unfortunately significantly diminished.
"Our working assumption is that, very sadly, the sailor is deceased. The coastguard has informed the company and it has been advised to inform the next of kin. Our thoughts are with the sailor's loved ones at this time."
Cllr Craig Leyland, Leader of East Lindsey District Council published this statement:
“Following the collision of the two ships in the North Sea yesterday, I know residents will be deeply concerned for those involved and the potential impacts of this on our coastline and communities.
“Humber Local Resilience Forum are leading the response to this incident. Colleagues from partner agencies across Lincolnshire are attending these meetings together with ELDC officers and offering mutual aid where appropriate.
“We know that our residents, especially those along the coast, will be worried about the potential impact of the collision as both ships were carrying dangerous cargos. Pollution could impact public health, the marine habitat, our beaches and local wildlife.
“The Humber LRF and the government agencies involved are aware of these concerns and we will, of course, share any updates from those agencies involved as more information becomes available and as the response and recovery progresses.
“Finally, I am sure you will join me in extending our sincere thanks to all those who have responded to this incident. This is an ongoing complex and dangerous situation and we must acknowledge the bravery of those who head towards the danger at times like these. Those individuals reflect the best of our local communities.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will meet Maritime and Coastguard Agency chief executive Virginia McVea later on Tuesday to discuss the latest situation and response.
Helen Jay, the National Trust's senior national consultant for coast said teams were keeping a lookout along the north-east and east of England coastline for visible signs of pollution affecting seabirds, sea life and the coast itself.
She said: "Any pollution incident can have a devastating impact on our wildlife and this is a vital time for many migratory birds as they return to our shores for the breeding season such as puffins, terns and gannets as well as marine life including seals, dolphins, fish and harbour porpoise."
Mike Childs, head of science, policy and research at Friends of the Earth, said: "With many designated areas for environmental protection around the coastline, a spill from the container ship or the tanker could be devasting for this much-loved wildlife.
"While tanker accidents are rare around the British coast the potential harm can be enormous. The sooner we make the transition to clean energy the better, for the health of us all and the planet."
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