The Port of Tyne has activated its emergency response plan following the plastic pellet (nurdle) spill caused by Sunday’s collision between the Wind Orca and the berthed container vessel BG Orange. The accident also caused the collapse of a quayside gantry crane, leaving one person with non-life-threatening injuries. The Port said the area remained inaccessible until specialists secured the damaged crane and vessel. A complex salvage operation is still underway to remove the crane, which is resting across the ship, and the vessel’s boom, which became entangled during the incident. At the same time, the Port launched measures to contain and recover the spilled plastic pellets. Floating booms have been deployed around BG Orange to prevent further pellets from entering the River Tyne. Several vessels are also collecting pellets from the water, while the ship’s crew has secured the damaged containers on board. Some of the pellets have washed ashore on nearby beaches. According to the Port, the pellets are non-toxic and pose a very low public health risk. The Port of Tyne is working with South Tyneside Council, North Tyneside Council, Northumbria Police, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and other organisations through a multi-agency recovery group. Meanwhile, the Port said it continues to work with customers to minimise operational disruption while clean-up and recovery operations continue. The post Port of Tyne continues clean-up after plastic pellet spill appeared first on Container News .