The vessel is carrying 100 tonnes of oil in bunkers. The UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency reported Tuesday that traces of pollutants were visible in the water, but that chemicals are thought to be contained in tanks on the vessel, which now lies 60 meters below the surface. The agency and its French counterparts warned the public not to handle any container that might wash ashore. It is flying out a team of specialists to Cherbourg, France, to assist in counter pollution efforts. The bulk of the cargo is styrene, a clear colorless liquid found in synthetic plastics.
Wildlife living in the area includes dolphins, seals and rare seabirds such as the Atlantic Puffin.
The Arlington, Virginia based Styrene Information and Research Center disputes that styrene can cause cancer and claims that it exists only briefly in the environment. WWF shipping expert Sian Pullen called for stringent measures to ensure ships carrying hazardous cargo remain in harbour during stormy weather. WWF wants vessels carrying hazardous cargo during winter months to be required to remain in harbor during storms. Therefore, WWF is calling for vessels carrying hazardous cargoes and oil, and facing adverse weather to be required to remain in harbor or to move to sheltered locations. Such measures are needed urgently as part of prudent shipping management.