Call for action on Russian ship

Dorset Council is to seek answers from the Government over the possible impact on the seabed of a Russian-linked oil tanker detained in Weymouth Bay for almost five months.

Dorset Council is to seek answers from the Government over the possible impact on the seabed of a Russian-linked oil tanker detained in Weymouth Bay for almost five months.

The council says it does not hold evidence showing the extent, location or ecological significance of any damage caused specifically by MT Smyrtos, but wants further information about its anchoring arrangements and potential effects on sensitive habitats.

The vessel was boarded and moved to an anchorage off Weymouth on 14 June and remains detained by the UK Government, with the Department for Transport leading the operation.

Littlemoor and Preston councillor Peter Dickenson has raised concerns that prolonged anchoring could cause lasting damage to the bay’s marine environment and affect the town’s fishing industry.

He warned that an anchor and chain dragging across the seabed could scar habitats, and questioned whether monitoring for pollution risks was also addressing possible physical damage beneath the water.

He called for an assessment of the impact since the tanker’s arrival, stricter monitoring to protect sensitive seabed features and consideration of a less sensitive location if its detention continues indefinitely.

Council leader Nick Ireland said the authority will be seeking answers. He said Dorset Council recognised the importance of protecting Weymouth Bay and the wider marine environment, as well as concerns about the length of time the ship had remained at anchor.

Cllr Ireland told a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday night that the vessel was being monitored continuously, with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s specialist counter-pollution and salvage team available to respond to a pollution or environmental incident.

The Government had advised that the ship and its anchoring arrangements were subject to continuing risk assessment. However, the council said those assurances did not establish whether physical effects from the anchor and chain were being monitored on the seabed.

He said previous survey work in Weymouth Bay had identified damage caused by large vessels anchoring.

The council leader said that MT Smyrtos was anchored well outside its statutory harbour areas, leaving responsibility for the vessel with the Government and relevant maritime authorities.

The council will now write to the Department for Transport and maritime authorities seeking information about the area affected by anchoring, survey evidence and any overlap with sensitive seabed features.

It will also seek information about sonar or remote-camera monitoring, any protective measures needed and whether alternative berthing or anchoring arrangements should be considered if the ship’s detention is likely to continue.

Officers will be asked to follow up the replies, with a further update promised on any action the council will take.