UK, North Sea collision: cargo ship was not carrying sodium cyanide

London (UK), March 11 (LaPresse/AP) – The Portuguese-flagged cargo ship Solong, which collided yesterday with the U.S.-flagged tanker Stena Immaculate in the North Sea, was not carrying containers of sodium cyanide, contrary to initial reports. Sodium cyanide can produce a harmful gas when combined with water. The shipping company Ernst Russ, owner of Solong, clarified that four empty containers had previously transported the chemical substance. "Our team is actively engaged with all local authorities and will cooperate with cleanup teams to ensure every effort is made to mitigate further impacts on the marine environment," the company stated in a press release.