Tanker Collision Spills Chemicals in English Channel

PORTLAND, UK, January 31, 2006 (ENS) - Chemicals are leaking from a Marshall Islands registered chemical tanker that collided with a bulk carrier in the middle of the English Channel 28 miles northwest of Guernsey in the early hours of this morning.

The Portland Coastguard says the 8,003 ton chemical tanker Ece appears to have sustained "significant damage with some of its cargo leaking."

The Polish bulk carrier, General Grot-Rowecki reportedly has no significant damage.

Portland Coastguard are co-ordinating the British response to the incident which happened in the French search and rescue region, just west of the Casquets Mid Channel Traffic Separation Scheme. The incident happened about halfway between Guernsey and Brixham.

Crew members from the stricken chemical tanker Ece arrive on the island of Guernsey. (Photo courtesy The Guernsey Press and Star)

The Coastguard helicopter India Juliet has just airlifted 10 crewmen from the tanker Ece. Another 12 crewmen were rescued from the ship by the St Peterport RNLI lifeboat. All 22 of the crew have been taken to Guernsey.

There are no serious injuries, Coastguard officials report. Portland Coastguard Watch Manager Andy Jenkins says, “We are pleased to report that all of the crew are safe and well.”

India Juliet is now re-fueling in Guernsey and will be returning to the scene to assist as necessary.

Various investigations were launched today, the main one managed by the French government. A French naval tug is now on scene assessing the situation with the Ece. Once the assessment is complete, plans will be made regarding the possible removal of the ship.

The Ece was carrying a cargo of about 10,000 metric tons of phosphoric acid, a corrosive chemical which disperses in water. An unknown amount of the chemical has spilled into the English Channel.