Australia arrests Chinese crew of coal ship that crashed on Great Barrier Reef

A ship captain and a chief officer of a Chinese coal ship that ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef have been arrested and charged with damaging the reef by failing to sail a correct course.

Chinese bulk carrier Shen Neng 1 was fully loaded and travelling at full speed on April 3 when it struck the Douglas Shoal, toward the southern end of the reef, which covers 133,600 sq miles off the north-east coast.
The carrier ran aground, leaking oil and tearing a two-mile gash in the protected area.
ustralian Federal Police said the master of the vessel and the chief officer on watch during the April 3 grounding would appear in court Thursday.
The 47-year-old master is charged with liability for damage, and faces a maximum fine of A$55,000 (£33,000).
The 44-year-old chief officer is accused of being in charge of the vessel during the grounding, and faces up to three years in prison and a fine up to A$220,000.

From The Telegraph

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