Marine Conservation Society statement in reaction to North Sea oil tanker collision
Our Chief Executive responds to the oil tanker and cargo ship collision that has occurred off the coast of East Yorkshire this week.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the oil tanker and cargo ship collision which took place on 10th March in the North Sea. Our thoughts first and foremost are with all those affected, and their families and loved ones.
The two vessels collided in a shipping area off the East Yorkshire coast, resulting in both ships catching fire. The risk of the ships’ loads, which include jet fuel, potentially spilling into the sea has raised concerns for marine life in the area, such as seabirds, grey seals, fish, and harbour porpoise.
Sandy Luk, Chief Executive at the Marine Conservation Society says, “The Humber Estuary and The Wash are home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds, making this potential oil spill a major threat to one of the UK’s most important ecosystems. Thousands of seals and their pups call this stretch of coast ‘home’ at this time of year, and there are protected areas nearby for harbour porpoises and special marine habitats.
“The long-term impacts on fisheries, water quality, and biodiversity could be devastating. Our biggest concern to the environment right now is the degree to which these chemicals accumulate or disperse, both into the water column and the distance they travel. This all depends on the weather, the currents and the extent of the spill.”
For live information on the situation as it unfolds, please see: Tanker collision latest: 'It came out of the blue': Sailor describes harrowing escape from tanker - BBC News
