The calming of the storm: The arrival of the first of the 'ghost ships' yesterday was greeted with hysteria by much of the world's press. But stories hinting at baying mobs on Teesside were written more in hope of confrontation than as a reflection of reality.
We make no excuse for focusing on the ghost ships again in this column because calm comment is needed on what is happening elsewhere. And the signs are that having seen the evidence sailing in, and having heard first hand that we can do the job, the wilder claims will subside.
Today's nationals scream of war and fear - 'Incredible hulk: the ship that terrifies Teesside', or 'Town unites to repel invasion by toxic armada'.
But the reality is far different.
In the way one TV reporter yesterday described romantic images of small ships forming a blockade across the harbour - as the Caloosahatchee was pictured peacefully sailing in - much media language has been forged by wishful thinking and expectation.
Informed opinion must eventually hold sway. Letters to this newspaper, for instance, have come from tanker officers, shipyard workers, ex-seamen, and other experts insisting the work can be done and condemning the level of criticism.
National commentators are softening. Terry Wogan, the housewives' choice, on his Radio 2 Breakfast Show today rubbished the scaremongering and said the ships were no more dangerous than any others.
With the issue coming to a head, the full truth should out, giving Mr Wogan's Middle England an insight into the reality of the issues here.
There is no 'toxic armada', merely a manageable job that we should - or should not - tackle. This newspaper's view has been made clear time and again.
