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North Sea tanker: Tanker in North Sea collision was carrying jet fuel for US military [1]
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Date: 2025-03
What are the risks to the marine environment?
Esme Stallard
Climate and science reporter
We currently don't know what the oil tanker in the incident was carrying. But oil spills into the sea have the potential to have significant impacts for marine life, and have been responsible for the some of the worst environmental disasters in the UK.
The SS Torrey Canyon ran aground in Cornwall in 1967 which led to more than 100,000 tonnes of crude oil being spilt into the English Channel, killing thousands of sea birds.
The size of the spill, weather and sea conditions, and the type of oil being carried play a big role in the outcomes for wildlife. In the case of the SS Torrey Canyon it was carrying a "persistent oil" - which as well as crude oil includes refined oils like marine diesel.
Persistent oils break up more slowly and can smother habitats and wildlife affecting their ability to regulate their body temperature and can result in death.
In comparison, "non persistent" or "light oils" like kerosene evaporate very quickly, so don't tend to hang around for a long time in the environment.
But they can still pose a significant short-term risk to wildlife. Firstly they can ignite or explode - and we have seen video of the boat billowing smoke from a fire which may suggest it is carrying such a fuel.
Secondly, some light oils like diesel are toxic, which means they will kill animals that come into contact with them and their fumes are harmful to humans, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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[1] Url:
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cgq1pwjlqq2t
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