Oil that leaked from a coal-carrying ship stranded on the Great Barrier Reef has dispersed into the ocean. Crews prepared to transfer the ship’s remaining oil yesterday to eliminate any further environmental risk to the world’s largest coral reef.
The water surface no longer has an oil sheen around the Shen Neng 1 and the leak from the hull had stopped, said general manager of Maritime Safety Queensland.
The bulk carrier was taking coal to China from the Queensland port of Gladstone when it crashed full speed into Douglas Shoal on Saturday.
Coral shredded one part of the ship, and three or four tons of oil leaked from a ruptured fuel tank.
Containment booms now surround the ship, and crews worked this week to transfer the remaining fuel oil to safer compartments within the ship.
Two tugboats are holding the Shen Neng 1 steady, keeping it from rocking with waves, and a bunker barge is in place to take on the fuel oil.
Officials aim to refloat the ship and escort it from Australian waters, but first they must transfer nearly 1,000 tonnes of heavy fuel oil off the boat to prevent more spills.
Environment Minister Peter Garrett, who took an aerial tour of the site, said the oil transfer was a “critical phase” in managing the accident.
“If we are able to get this oil off the boat then we’ll be breathing a sigh of relief. It’s not the end of the story but it’s certainly a significant reduction in risk to the environment of the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.
Maritime and state officials are on board the Shen Neng 1 to interview the crew and determine how the crash occurred.
Garrett said vessels should be tracked through the reef’s shipping corridors.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Tuesday that he would consider implementing stricter shipping regulations within the reef’s boundaries.
The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage site because of its gleaming waters and environmental value as home to thousands of marine species.
The accident occurred in the southern tip of the reef, which is not the main tourism hub.
Shen neng 1 on Great Barrier Reef (Reuters)
APTN