Reports indicate that the Stena Immaculate collision in the North Sea involved a ship carrying multiple containers of a potentially hazardous industrial chemical. The Solong, a Portuguese-flagged vessel, which collided with the Stena this morning, was transporting 15 containers of sodium cyanide. According to a report from Lloyds List Intelligence referenced by the BBC, the incident caused the release of black smoke above the Port of Grimsby at 10 am.
It is unclear if any of the chemical leaked into the waters surrounding the port, where efforts are underway to dilute leaked jet fuel from the Stena. Sodium cyanide, described as a white, crystalline solid resembling faint almond, is commonly found in salt form, and is used for industrial purposes such as metal cleaning, plating, and extraction.
While not the most toxic cyanide compound, cyanide salts can pose risks to humans, resulting in symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, changes in heart rate, and drowsiness upon exposure. In severe cases, cyanide poisoning can lead to serious health issues and potentially death. The crew of 32 from the Stena, managed by the US-based company Crawley, have been safely evacuated following the collision, with one member currently receiving medical attention.
The danger of sodium cyanide extends to marine life in the vicinity, as the chemical is water-soluble and can affect the respiration of aquatic animals. Dr. Mark Hartl, a marine ecotoxicologist from Heriot-Watt University, mentioned that the impact on aquatic life might be mitigated by the type of oil carried by the Stena, which is jet fuel. He explained that while the situation appears concerning, the quick evaporation of jet fuel and the offshore location of the incident could lessen the environmental consequences. Nonetheless, the spill may cause stress and harm to exposed marine organisms in the immediate aftermath.
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