North Sea Shipping Incident

[Gus0898uk]

"I think we can discount this conspiricy theory. Its likley human error, either there was no one on the bridge of the Solong or as was suggested in an earlier post they were asleep. The weather was almost certainly a factor as well. "

The conspiracy theory should not totally be discounted, apparently the Captain of the Solong is a Russian National!

[EGDR]

Where's the Oil Spill Response 727,previously at Doncaster Robin Hood/Finningley,when it could be needed?

Current UK MCA contract is for two 737s with modular dispersant kits. The 727s are still around but operate for contracts worldwide.

[roger4]

Mmmm, only carrier this side of the Atlantic currently is the Truman, which is in the Red Sea. Not aware of any ARG’s anywhere near us, the Med, or the Middle East either. If that is the case, possible land storage at Souda or Syracuse for the replenishment ships to onload at a future date.

As the tanker came from the Greek port of Agioi Theodorio (according to the Marine Traffic website) it seems unlikley that its Jet A-1 cargo was intended for offloading anywhere in the Med, nor indeed anywhere south of Immingham.

[Thunder]

Agreed, just as it’s probably unlikely that the fuel on board was intended for the US Navy. Never heard of any USN replenishment ships going into Immingham, fuellers normally go into Loch Striven, unless there’s a pipeline from East to West.

[Seahornet1]

Do people remember a ship burning years ago in the English Channel and the RAF bombed it and sunk it. Could this be a solution.

Just for the record, Fleet Air Arm Buccaneers tried to ignite the oil but were unsuccessful.

I seem to remember news footage at the time showing (RAF?) Hunters being involved, as well as the FAA Buccs.

[Evergreen 44]

Yes RAF Hunters out of West Raynham, one flown by Alan Pollock, later of Tower Bridge fame
Apparently they had fuzing issues with the napalm tanks, not sure if the Navy Buccs had similar

[paddyboy]

FGA9’s, as I seem to recall