The collision was a tragedy for crewmember Mark Angelo Pernia who lost his life in the accident, and for his family, when his ship the Solong crashed into the Stena Immaculate. 

It was also a near-catastrophic miss for Yorkshire’s marine wildlife and coastal habitats, in an area with some of the most significant national and international protection for wildlife and habitat. The Humber Estuary provides vital feeding grounds for more than 100,000 birds on migration. 

Major incidents like this have the potential to wipe out generations and populations of wildlife and pollute protected places enjoyed by people for years to come. 

Martin Slater, Director of Operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust said; 

“Spurn is a very well-known Yorkshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve, and has a strategic position for the UK’s security and industry as well as a rich history in protecting our shores, all of which sits alongside the immense natural importance of the site.  

“What this incident brutally spotlit was the sheer vulnerability of wildlife and protected places, especially when situated so closely beside development and industry. Our wild habitat is being squeezed into smaller and smaller spaces by an increase in development in industrial and urban places like the outer Humber area, as well as by rising sea levels and an increasingly unpredictable climate. It’s vital that we make more space for nature, for its own protection and resilience.”

Martin continues;

“The incident also led us to review our readiness for major incidents. In the case of Spurn, the Trust reiterates its strong support for the emergency services and planners. We welcome ongoing discussions about how we can be ready to support any future response through local knowledge of the area, as well as with practical support such as storage for equipment and recovery, in the unthinkable event of any future disasters in the Humber.”