Two people found dead after collision in Poole Harbour

Two people have died after a passenger ferry collided with a cargo vessel in Poole Harbour this morning.

The man and woman, both said to be in their 80s were found about half a mile from the scene of the collision by a Danish Lifeboat Crew, and are thought to be the only fatalities caused by a dangerous poison spilled by cargo vessel, L. Taurus.

The substance, named Lindane, is said to be highly dangerous and spreading at an ‘incredible rate’, and has reportedly killed a substantial amount of sea life.  It was released into Poole Harbour, after the Sandbanks ‘Roll On Roll Off’ ferry collided with the L. Taurus, which was carrying 20 trucks to Cherbourg.

Torben Lee, 58, a Pollution Consultant from the Environment Agency, has said the main worry is for passengers who jumped from the ferry at the time of the accident.

“The spillage has come from one of the trucks onboard L.Taurus. All lifeboat crews are now wearing chemical protection gear,” said Mr Lee.

A spokesman for the Coastguard said that there have been only two fatalities, but that more than 70 people have been taken to hospital with cuts and bruises, and over concerns of contamination.

Lindane remains a risk, and a 48 hour exclusion zone has been put in place. People have been asked to refrain from walking dogs, exercising on the beach and fishing, between Sandbanks and Bournemouth Pier.