Beach cleaning groups in Lincolnshire say they “will be seeing plastic in the sand for years to come” after the two ships crashed in the North Sea.
“We have been on the beach clearing every day since and just yesterday we collected 19 bags,” said Lianne Havell of Sutton-On-Sea Beachcare.
The crash happened in the North Sea on March 10, between the Stena Immaculate oil tanker and the Solong container ship.
The Solong was carrying 15 containers of nurdles which are small pieces of raw material used in the plastics industry.
Some 11 tonnes of plastic pellets has been collected so far and will be transported a waste transfer station in Louth, says Lincolnshire County Council.
“The worst effect is that the nurdles are so small they look like fish eggs which could be really harmful for wildlife on the beach,” said Lianne.
The group has had an increase in volunteers since the crash happened.
“From the first hours after the crash people were asking how they could help,” added Lianne.
Carl Tebbutt, deputy mayor of Mablethorpe and Sutton Town Council, said: “We’re fortunate to have volunteer groups like Sutton-On-Sea Beachcare. This kind of thing seems to get left to community groups.”
Due to the size of the nurdles beach cleaning groups will need help from sand sifters to ensure all the plastic removed from the beaches. Sutton-On-Sea Beachcare are hoping for one going forward.
“It’s been quite an experience for all of us,” said Lianne, “I’m proud of our team we have never had a situation like this before.”
The group is encouraging more helpers and Lincolnshire County Council is asking residents to report sightings of nurdles to http://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/plastic-nurdles.
