“Sichem osprey”, the Maltese chemical tanker ran aground Clipperton Island on it’s way from the Panama Canal to South Korea. The 170 meter-long (over 550 feet) ship contained Xylene, a clear, flammable mixture of three aromatic hydrocarbon isomers, commonly used as a solvent in rubber, leather and the printing industries. Most updates have reported the complete safety of the 19 crew members, and no leaks or any kind. Clipperton is the only a circular coral atoll in the East Pacific. The Island is completely uninhabited, with a lonely 19th century lighthouse as it’s only structure.

Although initial reports seem promising, we will keep an eye on this potential catastrophe over the next few days.