September 26th 2024.
A massive Russian ship, known as the "Ruby," has been spotted off the coast of Kent today. However, this vessel is not just your average cargo ship. It has a whopping 20,000 tonnes of explosive cargo on board. This has caused quite a stir among the locals, as the Malta-flagged ship is being called a "floating bomb." The Ruby was loaded with its dangerous cargo in Russia back in August and has been making its way towards the UK ever since.
The ship had made a stop in Tromsø, Norway, where residents were alarmed by the sheer amount of explosives being carried on board. The Ruby is specifically carrying ammonium nitrate, which is seven times more than the amount that caused the catastrophic explosion in Beirut last year. This chemical is not to be taken lightly, as it is commonly used in agriculture, mining, and civil construction. Unfortunately, it has also been used in terrorist attacks due to its affordability and accessibility.
In the past, ammonium nitrate has been used in bombings, such as the IRA attacks on the Baltic Exchange and Bishopsgate in London, as well as the Manchester city centre bombing. This chemical is known to act as an oxidizer, meaning it can intensify a fire by drawing oxygen towards it. However, it is not easily ignited and requires high temperatures to do so.
The port of Beirut is a tragic example of the destructive power of ammonium nitrate. The compound burst into flames last year, causing massive explosions and devastation. When ignited, it releases gases like nitrogen oxides and water vapor, which can lead to a violent explosion. Even if the chemicals disperse quickly into the air, they can still cause harm, such as creating acidic rain if it rains.
This is not the first time ammonium nitrate has caused such devastation. The Texas City Disaster in 1947 is another tragic event that resulted in nearly 500 deaths due to an explosion caused by over 2,000 tonnes of the chemical. It is clear that this cargo ship, the Ruby, is carrying a significant threat to the surrounding area, and authorities must take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the public. As of now, the ship remains off the coast of Kent, with its explosive cargo still on board.
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