As the 30th anniversary of the Sea Empress oil spill approaches, the RSPCA in Somerset reflects on one of the most significant environmental and wildlife rescue operations in its history. On February 15, 1996, the Sea Empress tanker ran aground at Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, spilling 130,000 tonnes of crude North Sea oil and devastating marine life along the coast.
The RSPCA quickly launched a monumental rescue effort, led by dedicated staff and volunteers determined to save thousands of seabirds affected by the spill. Among them was wildlife supervisor Paul Oaten from Taunton’s West Hatch Wildlife Centre, who recalls adapting old kennel blocks and bringing in additional facilities to accommodate an overwhelming influx of oil-soaked birds.
Inspectors, ambulance drivers, and wildlife experts worked tirelessly around the clock. At the height of the crisis, nearly 760 birds were rescued in a single day. Over the weeks that followed, more than 3,000 birds were cared for, including common scoters, guillemots, divers, gulls, and swans. Tragically, thousands perished, but the rescue operation saved thousands more.
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The RSPCA set up a makeshift hospital in a former industrial unit in Milford Haven, coordinating dozens of volunteers who flocked to the cause after widespread media appeals. Teams washed birds carefully using toothbrushes and Fairy Liquid to remove toxic oil from their plumage and prevent further ingestion.
Senior inspector Richard Abbott recounts the initial chaos at the control room and the challenge of organizing multiple agencies and volunteers. Meanwhile, Chief Inspector Romain de Kerckhove coordinated volunteers on beaches, managing the influx of both people and oiled birds. The generosity of the public was overwhelming, with donations of towels, toothbrushes, and cleaning supplies pouring in to support the operation.
Neil Tysall, then an RSPCA inspector, shared memories of the physical and emotional toll. He described the heart-wrenching moments of collecting severely oil-coated birds along the coastline, the relentless work of overnight care, and the lingering smell of crude oil long after the cleanup.
The birds required weeks of rehabilitation, progressing from initial cleaning to pool recovery to ensure their waterproofing before eventual release – often away from the spill site due to residual contamination.
Reflecting on the rescue, RSPCA Chief Inspectorate Officer Steve Bennett praised the extraordinary dedication of staff and volunteers. He highlighted the collaborative spirit among various organizations that made the massive response possible and acknowledged the lasting legacy the disaster has left on wildlife rescue techniques.
“Thanks to the sacrifices and effort of those involved, the RSPCA is better equipped than ever to handle oil spills and other wildlife emergencies,” Bennett said. “This anniversary reminds us of the fragility of our environment and the vital role we must play in protecting it.”
The RSPCA continues its vital work today, caring for birds and wildlife affected by pollution and contamination, always ready to respond swiftly and compassionately whenever emergencies arise.