Worries that leaking fuel from Humberside ship collision could reach Norfolk coast

There are worries that leaking fuel from a collision between a cargo ship and oil tanker in the North Sea could hit the Norfolk coast.

Overnight fires burned after the MV Solong and the US-chartered Stena Immaculate collided in the sea at Humberside yesterday morning.

Early investigations are still considering whether foul play was involved - and there are concerns that fuel spilled in the incident could make its way to our area.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Dr Paul Johnston, a senior scientist at the Greenpeace laboratories at the University of Exeter, said: “The wind is blowing from the north and that will tend to drive any fuel that’s released towards the North Norfolk coast ultimately.

“There are bird colonies in the area.

“There will be seals hauled out in the area, dolphins and porpoises passing through the area, and all these animals, together with the fish and other marine invertebrates, are all very vulnerable to toxic events from both oil and from chemicals.”

Residents in coastal towns and villages such as Hunstanton and Heacham have already raised concerns following the incident.

Many have posted on social media about the smell emitted from the collision site as it drifted towards West Norfolk.

One worried Hunstanton resident said: “This could be absolutely devastating for wildlife.”

Another said: “Been a stink in Hunstanton for a few hours here. It’s good to know its cause.”

Other residents described the smell as “vile” - while some have posted warnings they received about increased air pollution in the area.