There is no sodium cyanide onboard the crashed ship in the North Sea

The owner of the shipping company Ernst Russ has confirmed there is no “hazardous chemicals” of sodium cyanide onboard the crashed ship, Solong in the North Sea.

Following the collision between the tanker Stena Immaculate and Solong on Monday morning there was fears the Portuguese ship was carrying sodium cyanide in containers.

When the collision happened there was a “massive” explosion and the Solong vessel remains on fire.

Ernst Russ said in a statement, “We are able to confirm that there are no containers onboard ladened with sodium cyanide, as has been misreported.

“There are four empty containers that have previously contained the hazardous chemical, and these containers will continue to be monitored.”

Transport minister Mike Kane told MPs in the House of Commons on Tuesday, “Although they became attached to each other during the collision, the Solong broke free of the Stena Immaculate late last night and began drifting southwards.

“Modelling suggests that should the Solong remain afloat, it’ll remain clear of land for the next few hours.

“The assessment of His Majesty’s Coastguard is, however, that it is unlikely the vessel will remain afloat.

“Tugboats are in the vicinity to ensure that the Solong remains away from the coast and to respond as the situation develops.”

The search for the missing crew member from the Solong vessel ended on Monday evening following an “extensive search” and Kane said it is the government’s “working assumption” that sadly the person has died.

He added, “Our thoughts are with the sailor’s loved ones at this time.”

Crowley, the maritime company that manages the Stena Immaculate said it was hit by Solong whilst it was anchored off the coast of Hull.

This caused “multiple explosions” on board and an unknown amount of Jet A-1 fuel thought to be enroute to the US military has been released into the North Sea.

His Majesty’s Coastguard said in a statement, “safety vessels and other vessels with firefighting capabilities are still on scene with more arriving today.

“An exclusion zone of 1km radius has been put in place around both vessels.

“The Counter Pollution and Salvage Team is assessing the situation and is developing a plan ready for implementation as soon as the situation allows.”