Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 1 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 February 2006. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Monday, 6 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Ece (Loss at Sea)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the environmental consequences arising from the loss at sea of the Ece and its cargo.

Answer: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have consulted extensively with the statutory bodies with responsibilities for the marine environment—primarily Defra for fisheries interests and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee for seabirds and mammals. The cargo of phosphoric acid is not considered to be a significant threat to the marine environment as it will rapidly disperse. The bunker oil already released from the vessel has formed a thin layer of oil on the surface but is expected to disperse naturally. The sea area around the wreck is being monitored on a daily basis. The MCA will respond to any leakage of cargo or bunker oils according to the national contingency plan for marine pollution from shipping and offshore installations.

Secondary information