WWF-UK: New threat to marine life from sunken tanker
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New threat to marine life from sunken tanker
Thursday 2 February 2006
The threat to the environment from the chemical tanker, the Ece, has now increased.
It has now sunk and some of its fuel oil has been spotted on the surface of the sea. Its wreck lies about 30 miles off Guernsey.
"In total the Ece was reported to be carrying 80 tonnes of fuel oil which does pose an environmental risk," said Simon Walmsley, Head of WWF-UK Marine.
"While the chemical, phosphoric acid, will be diluted in sea water, the oil will not. This means that it will impact on the marine life at the bottom of the sea around the wreck. Any oil that escapes to the surface could impact on bird life and there is a chance that oil may be washed up on the coast affecting more wildlife."
After the collision, urgent action is being called for to address shipping safety.
The collision of the Ece and the General Grot-Rowecki followed the sinking of a French fishing boat off Alderney earlier in January, which killed five crew members. The French boat, Kleine Familie, sank in international waters and the cause of its sinking is though to be a collision with another ship.
"The area where these accidents happened is recognised as an area rich in sea life as well as an area that is important to shipping. Therefore it is designated a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area where measures should be in place to prevent accidents from happening.
"Currently there is only one measure in place, which is 48 hour mandatory reporting. The sinking of two vessels in the space of a month highlights the failure of this measure and the need for additional measures that work." added Dr Walmsley.
"In total the Ece was reported to be carrying 80 tonnes of fuel oil which does pose an environmental risk," said Simon Walmsley, Head of WWF-UK Marine.
"While the chemical, phosphoric acid, will be diluted in sea water, the oil will not. This means that it will impact on the marine life at the bottom of the sea around the wreck. Any oil that escapes to the surface could impact on bird life and there is a chance that oil may be washed up on the coast affecting more wildlife."
After the collision, urgent action is being called for to address shipping safety.
The collision of the Ece and the General Grot-Rowecki followed the sinking of a French fishing boat off Alderney earlier in January, which killed five crew members. The French boat, Kleine Familie, sank in international waters and the cause of its sinking is though to be a collision with another ship.
"The area where these accidents happened is recognised as an area rich in sea life as well as an area that is important to shipping. Therefore it is designated a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area where measures should be in place to prevent accidents from happening.
"Currently there is only one measure in place, which is 48 hour mandatory reporting. The sinking of two vessels in the space of a month highlights the failure of this measure and the need for additional measures that work." added Dr Walmsley.
Further information
Find out more about WWF's work on these issues by visiting the Marine and coastal ecosytems section .