MV Ruby Returns After Contaminated Cargo Dumped

The MV Ruby, a vessel carrying 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, has sparked significant concern after it dumped 300 tonnes of contaminated cargo into the North Sea, approximately 11-14 nautical miles off the coast of Great Yarmouth. This incident has raised alarms among local officials due to the hazardous nature of ammonium nitrate, which is associated with the deadly Beirut explosion. Despite the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) asserting that the remaining cargo poses no risk, Norfolk County and Great Yarmouth Borough councils have expressed outrage over the vessel's return to port, urging the government to reconsider. The MV Ruby had been seeking a safe harbor after suffering damage in bad weather, and its attempts to offload cargo were complicated by safety regulations. Local leaders fear the potential for a disaster similar to past incidents, questioning the approval given for the vessel's operations. The ship's management insists that all actions taken have complied with safety guidelines, but public anxiety remains high.