'No further reports of pollution to the sea' following collision near Humber Estuary
One vessel was carrying jet fuel for the US military
There have been 'no further reports' of pollution to the sea, following a crash involving a tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea, beyond the initial incident.
That's according to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency who also say personnel are ready to respond further if needed.
The Stena immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel and it's currently unclear how much has been released.
The incident happened just off the Humber Estuary on Monday 10th March
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Chief Executive Virginia McVea said:
“The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is continuing to coordinate the response to the collision between the SOLONG and the STENA IMMACULATE.
“There have been no further reports of pollution to the sea from either vessel beyond what was observed during the initial incident. HM Coastguard’s counter pollution and salvage team has a comprehensive counter pollution response in place should it be required. Salvors also have equipment and personnel ready to respond to any pollution.
“The MCA is working with the salvage companies who are responding on behalf of the vessels’ owners and are working in full co-operation with all commercial and government partners. The overarching objective is to protect the public and the environment to the best of our ability, during this ongoing incident response.
“The SOLONG is being held in a safe position offshore by a tug and further support vessels remain in the ship’s immediate vicinity. This morning’s (12th March) assessment shows the fires on board the ship have greatly reduced in their extent and intensity.
“The STENA IMMACULATE remains at anchor, with safety tugs in position should they be required. There are no visible flames on board and an on-board assessment may be carried out later today.
“Salvors will only board the vessels when it is safe to do so. Only then will it be possible to carry out comprehensive damage assessments.”
A Whitehall source says there's nothing to suggest the incident is a national security issue.
It's understood the captain of the cargo ship arrested following the collision with a tanker is a Russian national.
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