News Assignment 5

Elderly die after Lindane boat spillage

Two elderly people have died after a ferry and cargo ship collided and spilt toxic Lindane in Poole Harbour this morning.
The bodies were found by a lifeboat crew a mile from the chemical spillage.
Officials say that they appeared not to have drowned, but the reason for death is still unconfirmed.
More than 70 people were stranded in strong currents after jumping from the two vessels and they have only just been evacuated and taken to hospital.
Many are meant to have picked up cuts and bruises and it is unclear after being hosed down if they have been affected by the spillage.
Lindane, an extremely deadly poison has already contaminated the sea life and coral.
Officials say they have had to shut off the coastline from Sandbanks to Hengusbury for the next 48 hours.
Torben Lee, 58, a pollution consultant from Norway expressed the fears of the Environmental Agency.
“We have put up chemical boons to try and contain the spreading. With the incredible speed that Lindane moves at our priority is set on stopping an ethological disaster,” he said.

The L Taurus, the first vessel for the newly established Torbay Seaways, had eight crewmembers on board and 20 trucks bound for Cherbourg.
A large proportion of the cargo is now lost, but Bridget Verdon, who runs the company stressed that his primary concerns are with the rescue of everyone involved.
“I hope everyone can be saved, I am just very sad for everyone who is involved,” she said.

The commercial Sandbanks ferry hit the new cargo ship at 9.10 am and began sinking.
It was only after the passengers and crewmembers had panicked and jumped into the water that the two trucks on board the L Taurus collided and began to seep Lindane.
Nick Gosney, 72, the chief loader for Sandbanks at the time said that there was “a big hole in the side” and a major chain had snapped on the Sandbanks ferry.
Mr Gosney, who has worked in Poole Harbour since he was 12, said that an incident like this has never happened before in his memory.
The Coastguard was supported by an ambulance, police helicopter and fire brigade to aid the evacuation of survivors.