There were 'no containers with sodium cydanie' found on board the cargo vessel that crashed into an oil tanker in the North Sea, the container ship's owner has revealed.
Stena Immaculate, which was carrying a “full load” of jet fuel, were forced to abandon ship after the MV Solong vessel crashed into its port side shortly before 10am on Monday off the Yorkshire coast.
Fears had been growing that MV Solong may have been carrying sodium cyanide, a toxic chemical.
However, a statement from Ernst Russ, owner of Solong, has confirmed that there was no sodium cyanide aboard the vessel, despite previous reports.
Firefighting teams scramble to extinguish the North Sea blaze yesterday
PA
"Multiple explosions" were heard as the Stena Immaculate tanker was struck by the Solong container ship
PAIt reads: "We are able to confirm that there are no containers on board ladened with sodium cyanide, as has been misreported.
"There are four empty containers that have previously contained the hazardous chemical, and these containers will continue to be monitored.
"We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the missing crew member, mindful that the search has been called off. Our first thoughts must be with them at this uncertain and distressing time," it added.
"All necessary support is being provided to the family."
Ernst Russ added: "We also recognise the dangers that others are faced with as they work to stabilise and secure the vessels and cargos involved."
The company thanked all emergency responders who were sent to the scene and said it is currently working with all local authorities involved.
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All 23 on board the oil tanker Stena Immaculate are accounted for
Kees Torn/Wikimedia Commons/PA Wire
It added that it is also working with clean-up teams to ensure any impact on the environment is kept to a minimum.
Crew on board both vessels abandoned ship following the crash, which resulted in "multiple explosions" and set both ships ablaze.
All 23 on board the oil tanker Stena Immaculate are accounted for, whilst out of the 14 crew members on the Solong, one is missing.
The search by the Coast Guard was called off around 9.40pm, whilst both boats were still ablaze.
Sunrise over Easington beach, Hull, after a crash between an oil tanker and a cargo ship off the coast of East Yorkshire
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Stena Immaculate was anchored and stationary 10 miles off Hull, when it was struck by the Solong.
The container ship is still ablaze, however the fire on the oil tanker has been greatly diminished.
Whilst reports of the toxic chemical being present have been dispelled, jet fuel from the oil tanker has continuously been spilling out into the North Sea.
UN Maritime Security chief Chris Reynolds has warned that any oil spilled from the wreckage would have a "very short window" to be removed before it could pose a terrifying environmental threat to the area.
Any oil that escapes the vessel could emulsify and then potentially reach the shore as an "oil emulsion", which would have a "devastating effect" on wildlife and the natural area.
