Virtually impossible to avert a major ecological catastrophe Paul Horsman, Greenpeace

Early reports suggest oil is already pouring from the ruptured tanks on the vessel.

The Shetland Islands Council has activated its major disaster plan in an attempt to avert a major environmental catastrophe in the area, which is internationally renowned for seabirds and marine life.

But Greenpeace spokesperson Paul Horsman said it would be "virtually impossible to avert a major ecological catastrophe."

The 800-foot vessel was built in Japan in 1975 and does not have the more modern double hull which would lessen the chance of an oil-spillage.

Local people in Shetland have long-expected an accident on their remote shores and contingency plans to deal with the environmental impact of such a disaster are in place.

But a catastrophe on this scale was never predicted. The Braer was carrying twice as much crude oil as the Exxon Valdez, which ran aground off Alaska four years ago.

The Shipping Minister Lord Caithness has ordered a wide-ranging inquiry into the disaster.

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