Ferry Crash

Two elderly ferry Passengers have died after jumping overboard into toxic waters when two ferries collided.

Coastguards say the couple appear to have died from the chemical Lindane poisoning. Torben Lee, 58, a pollution consultant has said ‘there was a spillage of a highly toxic chemical Lindane which came from the cargo ferry L Taurus.’ Lindane is a very poisonous substance and incredibly dangerous to humans. The two passengers in there eighties, whose identity is unknown, were aboard the Sandbanks ferry. A Danish Lifeboat crew found their bodies.

The collision left the cargo ferry with a huge hole in the side, in which a truck leaked out the chemical Lindane. Mr Lee has said ‘all sea life which came into contact with the chemical was killed.’ There is major concern for all passengers who jumped overboard as the chemical is highly poisonous, and all those rescued have been hosed down and taken to hospital. It is claimed that all other passengers only suffered from cuts and bruises and are in no serious condition.

Bridget Verdon, the owner of Torbay Seaways, said ‘it was the cargo ferries first day out, and we are very sad this has happened.’ The boat was heading for Cherbourg, France, when it crashed into the Sandbanks ferry. There were around 8 people aboard the ‘L Taurus’ ferry along with around 20 trucks. The trucks smashed into one another, due to the collision of the two ferries, which caused the Lindane to leak into the water.

A boon has been placed around the contaminated area to protect sea life and humans, and to stop the Lindane from spreading further. The coastguard said ‘the beaches will be closed off for 48 hours until the chemical has diluted.‘