As the 30th anniversary of the Sea Empress disaster approaches, the RSPCA in Somerset pays tribute to the heroic efforts that defined one of the UK’s worst environmental catastrophes. On February 15, 1996, the single-hulled oil tanker Sea Empress ran aground at the entrance to Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, spilling 130,000 tonnes of North Sea crude oil into the local waters. The resulting ecological crisis threatened thousands of seabirds along the coastline.
In response, the RSPCA launched a massive rescue operation, described as “one of the most magnificent rescue operations” in the charity’s history. Wildlife supervisor Paul Oaten, based at the West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Taunton, Somerset, was among many staff who dedicated long hours to saving and rehabilitating affected birds.
At the disaster’s peak, nearly 760 birds were rescued in a single day. Volunteers helped run a makeshift animal hospital in an old industrial unit at Milford Haven, where injured sea birds received urgent care. More than 53 RSPCA inspectors, 14 ambulance drivers, and wildlife experts worked tirelessly to clean oiled birds, many suffering from severe contamination, and nurse them back to health.
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Oaten recalls the extraordinary workload: “We were doing 12 to 14-hour shifts, washing birds with teams using Fairy Liquid to carefully remove oil without stressing them. Restoring their strength was critical because many were emaciated and unable to feed.”
Richard Abbott, now RSPCA chief inspector in the South West, was on duty the night the tanker ran aground. He vividly remembers the initial chaos and rapid coordination among multiple agencies at Milford Haven’s control room. Chief Inspector Romain de Kerckhove, who coordinated volunteers and operations at that time and remains active today, described how the RSPCA took on the crucial role of managing volunteers, beach patrols, and bird collection efforts.
Volunteers flooded in after public appeals, bringing essential supplies like towels, toothbrushes, and even vast amounts of Fairy Liquid. These contributions, combined with military-style organization from some volunteers, were invaluable in managing the complex rescue operation.
Neil Tysall, an inspector during the disaster, recalls the heartbreaking scenes of birds engulfed in oil and sand, highlighting the physical toll on wildlife and rescuers alike. The majority of the rescued birds were common scoters, alongside guillemots, divers, gulls, and swans. Birds underwent rigorous cleaning and rehabilitation over weeks, with continual monitoring to prevent drowning in recovery pools. Once healthy, many birds were released off the coast of north Wales, though poor weather and lingering oil complicated reintroduction.
RSPCA Chief Inspectorate Officer Steve Bennett reflects on the profound impact of the disaster and the enduring dedication of those involved. “The Sea Empress operation showcased incredible teamwork and resilience,” Bennett said. “From frontline staff to volunteers, their commitment saved thousands of lives. The lessons learned have refined our skills and continue to guide our response to environmental crises today.”
Today, the RSPCA’s four wildlife centres remain at the forefront of rescuing and rehabilitating birds affected by oil contamination and other environmental hazards. While large-scale spills like the Sea Empress remain rare, the charity has cared for nearly 300 oiled birds in the past five years from smaller incidents, demonstrating ongoing vigilance and compassion.