James Wild MP has raised urgent concerns in Parliament about the potential environmental impact of a collision between the MV Solong, a Madeira-flagged cargo ship, and the US-chartered Stena Immaculate fuel tanker, which occurred off the coast of Humberside in the North Sea.
The incident resulted in explosions and fires on both vessels, with the Stena Immaculate carrying 23,000 tonnes of jet fuel. Given current southerly winds and currents, there are concerns that about potential risk of pollution.
James highlighted the environmental significance of North West Norfolk, which includes the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), The Wash, and other vital habitats that support diverse ecosystems and a thriving local fishing industry.
He has therefore called for a risk assessment to evaluate the potential pollution along the East Coast to Norfolk, regular updates on containment efforts, and a commitment to keeping the public informed as the situation develops.
James Wild MP said:
My constituency has the Norfolk coast area of outstanding natural beauty and other vital habitats including the Wash as well as a fishing fleet. So given the location of this collision there is concern locally about the potential impact so when will a risk assessment be done about the potential risk of pollution down the east coast to Norfolk, what action is being taken to contain it, and will he commit to keep the public informed?
Mike Kane MP, Under Secretary to the Department of Transport replied:
“Maritime and Coastguard Authority assets are deployed currently to assess and monitor any potential environmental impacts of this accident. He is right it is a rich biodiverse area. The priority still remains to get the fire on the Solong out so we can get a proper evaluation of the situation.
“Once we get that done and once the fire is out, I can tell him that we will use every resource possible to 1 - to ascertain the extent of the pollution and 2 - to clear it up.”
