The Port of Tyne has expanded cleanup operations after a collision between the wind turbine installation vessel Wind Orca and the container ship BG Orange released an estimated one billion plastic pellets into the River Tyne.
The accident happened on 19 July when MV Wind Orca struck the berthed MV BG Orange during departure. The impact damaged several containers carrying plastic resin pellets, known as nurdles. About 25 tonnes escaped into the river. The collision also toppled a 750-tonne quay crane onto the containership. One person suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Salvage teams have removed the remaining pellets from the damaged containers. They are now focusing on recovering plastic pellets from the river and nearby coastline. Tides and currents have already carried the nurdles across the Tyne estuary and along England’s northeast coast. They have been found at South Shields, Tynemouth, Cullercoats, King Edward’s Bay and as far south as Sunderland.
The Port of Tyne has deployed floating booms and workboats to collect the pellets. Environmental charity Fidra has also organised volunteer beach cleanups, although experts say it will be impossible to recover every pellet.
Nurdles are the raw material used to manufacture plastic products. They are not toxic but pose a serious environmental threat. Birds, fish and other marine animals often mistake them for food. The pellets can also absorb pollutants and eventually break down into persistent microplastics.
The port plans to temporarily close part of the River Tyne while heavy-lift contractors remove the collapsed crane from MV BG Orange. Investigators continue to examine the cause of the collision.
