Asia/Pacific News
Vessel Detained Over Australia Oil Spill
Australian authorities have detained a Dominica-flagged vessel in connection with the spilling of an estimated 10 tonnes of heavy oil in the Port of Brisbane, according to media reports.
The Dominica-flagged Danny Rose, which is managed by Neptune Pacific Agency, has been detained, and investigators have interviewed crew members, taken oil samples, and inspected the fuel systems, according to Maritime Executive.
The spill, which took place Sunday night, left a nearly one-mile oil slick at the port, and cleanup is continuing.
Transport Minister Scott Emerson said whoever is responsible for the spill could face fines of up to AUD550,000 ($498,000) for individuals, or AUD11 million ($10 million) for a company, in addition to paying for clean-up costs, the Brisbane Times reports.
Several birds have been found coated in oil, and the cleanup operation has disrupted shipping movements.
"The Brisbane Regional Harbour Master and port staff are also making arrangements with shipping companies to address any short term congestion which may arise before the berths are cleaned and returned to operation," Emerson said.
The slick was contained to a 1,400 metre stretch along the wharf using booms, the Brisbane Times reported in an earlier story.
"It is heavy oil, we will see some evaporation as the sun comes out but because it is heavy oil, booms are containing the spill and skimmers will try to lift it up," Emerson said.
The Danny Rose is a 113 metre, 9,606 dead weight tonne (dwt) vessel used for bulk shipping, containers, and general cargoes, according to the Neptune Pacific website.
