The Port of Tyne has reported that two containers split in a collision have been cleansed of 'nurdles', after plastic pellets leaked into the River Tyne following the incident on July 19 in South Shields.
On that day, the ship Wind Orca crashed into a container ship, causing a dockside crane to collapse. One person was taken to hospital. The pellets, estimated to number one billion, subsequently washed up on coasts at Littlehaven in South Shields, North Shields, Seaburn and Roker.
Containers Secured and Vacuumed
The authority said the containers were 'secured with a scaffolding frame and enclose', and the 'nurdles' were collected with an industrial vacuum, described as a 'significant step forward' in the cleanup process.
Over the weekend, a specialist team arrived at the port to begin the work. A third container was found to be damaged but is not currently leaking. The Port of Tyne has confirmed plans are being made to move the ship and bring that container ashore.
Wreckage and Further Cleanup
An update on the physical wreckage noted that the collapsed 750-tonne crane remains in contact with the ship, with 'progress is being made in the planning' for its removal.
'Significant progress' has been made clearing pellets across multiple locations in the river. Workers have used flushing techniques at the North Shields Ferry terminal and other work is taking place at Jarrow Bridge.
