A major operation is underway to clear plastic pellets which were spilled into the sea after a collision at the Port of Tyne. The Wind Ocra ship was leaving dock when it collided with the berthed container ship BG Orange on Sunday.
As a result of the collision, a gantry crane on the Port's quayside collapsed at the site in South Shields. Plastic pellets, known as nurdles, were spilled into the water and some have washed up on nearby beaches.
Health Risk and Public Advice
While the pellets are not toxic, they can pose a hazard to wildlife and other animals if ingested. The public is being asked not to handle the pellets and to keep dogs on leads in the affected areas.
Port of Tyne say the public health risk to the pellets is considered to be very low. It instigated its response plan immediately after learning about the spill and have put several measures in place in the last 48 hours.
Response Measures
They have put a boom (a floating barrier) around the BG Orange to help prevent further spills of pellets on board and they have put several boats on the river to clear pellets. The vessel BG Orange has also taken measures to secure damaged containers on board.
A spokesperson for the Port of Tyne said: "Responding to the collision is a multi-faceted and complex salvage operation which cannot be hurried. Safety and the welfare of everyone working on the site is and must remain our priority."
"Our response plan to the pellet spill was activated immediately we became aware of it. It involves a number of actions, including helping contain any further spill of pellets and getting boats out on the river as a matter of urgency to clear pellets from the water."
"We will continue to work with local authorities and other agencies as everyone works hard to minimise the effect of the pellet spill."
Ongoing Operations
Port of Tyne say there is still a critical operation ongoing to keep the area safe. They say preparations are being made to move the crane, which is lying across the ship, and the ship's boom, which is intertwined with the crane.
North Tyneside Council workers were out until 8pm on Wednesday night clearing nurdles from the beach. Temporary signage is being installed, with information being shared through the council’s social media.
The Port of Tyne is working with South and North Tyneside Councils, Northumbria Police, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, Maritime and Coastguard Agency as well as organisations in relation to both incidents.
They say they are grateful to local business and organisations, who have reached out and offered them the use of equipment and expert personnel to help with the clean-up operation, and are working with customers to minimise operational disruption.
