Plastic Pellet Spill from North Sea Ship Collision Threatens UK Wildlife

Clean-up efforts continue along Norfolk and Lincolnshire coasts as nurdles pose risks to ecosystems and protected conservation areas.

The collision between the Solong container ship and Stena Immaculate tanker on March 10 released plastic pellets, known as nurdles, into the North Sea.
Nurdles, which have washed up on beaches in Norfolk and Lincolnshire, threaten seabirds and marine life by being ingested or carrying toxic pollutants.
Clean-up operations led by local councils and supported by HM Coastguard are underway, with efforts expected to take weeks to remove the pellets from beaches.
The affected areas, including The Wash and East Coast Wetlands, are internationally significant for birdlife and biodiversity, heightening ecological concerns.
The Solong’s captain, Vladimir Motin, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter, while salvage operations for both vessels continue.