The incident occurred on March 10, 2025, when the cargo ship Solong collided with the tanker Stena Immaculate approximately 12 miles off the East Yorkshire coast. As a result, a significant quantity of nurdles—small plastic resin pellets used in plastic manufacturing—entered the sea and began washing ashore. Cleanup operations are underway in affected areas.
Local authorities have responded by initiating cleanup efforts. East Lindsey District Council started clearing nurdles from Skegness Beach on March 20, while King's Lynn and West Norfolk Council commenced their cleanup on March 19, focusing on areas from Holme-next-the-Sea to Old Hunstanton. These efforts involve using all-terrain vehicles to access harder-to-reach locations.
Officials have stated that nurdles are not directly toxic to humans, but environmental groups warn that they can absorb and transport harmful chemicals. There is concern that seabirds and marine life may ingest the pellets, mistaking them for food. Conservationists and residents have reported dead seabirds along the coastline, raising further concerns about the ecological impact of the spill.
The collision also resulted in the presumed death of a crew member from the Solong, 38-year-old Filipino national Mark Angelo Pernia. The ship’s captain, Vladimir Motin, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter. He appeared in Hull Magistrates’ Court on March 15, 2025, and is scheduled for a hearing at the Central Criminal Court in London on April 14, 2025.
Salvage operations for both vessels are ongoing, with authorities monitoring the situation. Chief Coastguard Paddy O’Callaghan stated that both ships remain stable, and efforts are focused on retrieving any remaining debris. Fidra, an environmental organization involved in the response, has advised the public not to touch the nurdles due to potential contamination.
Cleanup efforts are expected to continue for several weeks, with local councils urging residents and visitors to report any sightings of nurdles or related debris. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding marine pollution and the challenges of managing plastic waste in maritime environments.
