Wind directions that could save the North Yorkshire Coast from an oil spill

The direction of the wind can help North Yorkshire coasts suffer from the effects of an oil spill following a collision between the two ships, experts said.

Tanker Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel oil when it was attacked by a North Sea cargo ship on Monday.

It is still unknown how much oil has entered the water, but fear of environmental “catastrophes” is being cultivated.

But the BBC said Northern meteorologist Paul Hudson had “almost a chance” in contaminated materials that would reach the contaminated materials further north of the crash land 13 miles from Hull and Grimsby.

He added that it is unlikely that North Yorkshire coastal towns such as Scarborough and Whitby will be affected.

However, the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has warned of “a major threat to wildlife” and potential impacts on seabird colonies.

Local businesses also say they are monitoring the situation.

“We've got a lot of effort into this,” said Matt Jones, a surfing coach based in Scarborough.

“We know the situation and development very well.”

Speaking to the local Democracy Reporting Service, Joe Redfern, manager of marine conservation charity Whitby Lobster Hatchery, said, “I've had a keen eye and see how things go.”

Redfern said the community is “dependent on healthy oceans.”

“As this disaster progresses, we hope that great efforts will be made to reduce the damage to the environment as much as possible,” Redfern added.

Oil tanker owners confirmed that at least one fuel tank had burst during the incident.

Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume said the fishermen were “very concerned about reports of jet fuel leaking into the ocean.”

Humberside police said the 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of negligence and manslaughter in connection with the collision.

Winds spreading both now and in the coming days are important in determining what will happen with other chemicals spilled from fuel and tanker impacts.

Real-time observations in the area show north winds near the incident. This indicates that it moves south-southwest along the surface ocean and towards the Lincolnshire coast.

The forecasts will be similar over the next few days. This means there is little chance that a tanker will reach the North Yorkshire coastline.

On Tuesday, HM Coastguard said the counterpressure and rescue teams are “evaluating the situation and developing a plan that is ready for implementation as soon as the situation is allowed.”

The Environment, Food and Rural Bureaus confirmed that air quality at the ground level is currently within normal levels of weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency said the coastal public health risks are currently “very low.”