The Greenpeace spokesman quoted as saying"“Fuel oil will settle on the seabed.." shows an amazing scientific ignorance as almost all fuel oils amd other hydrocarbons, including crude oils, have densities less than water and float on water. Fuel oils bunkered in sunken ships float to the surface over time and leave an oily sheen which, unlike water, is biodegradble. The immediate result of any oil spill is an immediate disaster but in most instances the clean up methods used, detergents for example, leave a more damaging long term effect on the environment.

Patrick, Pleasantville, NY

Yes, oil spills are not nice but when is everyone going to stop moaning about a few dead birds and have some compassion for the families of the HUMAN BEINGS that have died as a result of accidents caused by natural disasters like severe storms. The Times is one of the few papers that put's humans above birds in their articles. The majority of reports in our media regarding maritime accidents are made by people who have no knowledge of the maritime sector and are ignorant of all the facts. Just remember who brings all your luxury items from the Far East for you and the oil that creates the energy to heat your home home and keep your backside warm in the winter.

Capt. Paul Voisin, Plymouth, UK

It's very unsettling to read about oil and fuel ships always having mishaps and then innocent marines species and other wildlife end up paying the ultimate price, namely, death. We must protect the priceless oceans and seas to ensure that their aquatic species can thrive and Survive.

Brien Comerford, Glenview, United States

It`s not only about oil. It happened because of mass violation of safety rules. That`s why we have so shamingly high percentage of fires and traffic accidents. Now the storm only exposed these violations. You can see it every day on the streets of Moscow or on the railroads - people just neglect their own safety, that`s it!

Rssian Rocket, Moscow, Russia

to kim and billy bop and brandon and hugh and al gore....sssshhh....the Great Spirit...works that way, just to get your attention....a hundred years from now, you'll never know the difference...enjoy paying 2 pounds for a liter...now ask yourself...whats my great idea for moving people and things..??whats the solution ??can you get it done so millions upon milllions of people can do it "today" ??How about mules and horses for power??..What to do about heating your residence or lighting your work place ?? hummmm...now, all inhale, but no exhaling........

Mr tim, san marcos, US of A///Ca

With global warming having such an impact on storm surges you would think that the OPEC would learn to pipe fuel oil from country to country. Especially since by 2050 we will be using nearly 100 million barrels a day! I dont mind paying a pound a litre at the pump, if it means companies can limit the risks of spillage. But why should the environment suffer all the more by our failure to learn from disasters like these! It's time there were some bold improvements in regards to transport of fuel oil across the oil producing countries.

Kim Ferguson, London, England

another ecological disaster to add to the long list.
we are slowly wrecking this planet.

Hugh, Edinburgh, Scotland

if the knew that a storm was comming, why didn´t take the ships out before?

ao, lehioa, spain

Multi-national greed rearing its ugly face once again causing more environmental disaster and loss of lives.
Only when the last tree has died
and the last river been poisoned
and the last fish been caught
will we realise we cannot eat money.

billy Bop, london, uk

One of the ways Oil corporations convince Americans that oil is the best energy source available is by insisting that current technologies guarantee the safest, cleanest, and most secure means for drilling and transporting oil. The public relations machine run by oil companies is so smooth, it has been successful at staving off government investment in renewable energy technologies, auto industry investment in more efficient automobiles, and attempts to block drilling in America's most serene natural habitats. Again and again we are all duped by this enormously powerful industry that acts as the perpetual victim while reaping the world's largest revenues in history.

Brandon, Washington, DC,