Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Natacha Pisarenko/AP/Press Association Images
New Zealand

New Zealand charges owner of grounded ship

Authorities have filed charges against the owners of a cargo ship that ran aground on a reef six months ago – creating what authorities describe as the country’s worst maritime environmental disaster.

NEW ZEALAND AUTHORITIES have filed charges against the owners of a cargo ship that ran aground on a reef six months ago, creating what authorities describe as the country’s worst maritime environmental disaster.

Maritime New Zealand on Thursday charged Daina Shipping with discharging harmful substances from the vessel Rena. The charge carries a maximum fine of $NZ600,000  plus another $NZ10,000  for each day the offending continues.

The Rena ran aground Oct. 5 on the Astrolabe reef near Tauranga, spilling 400 tons of fuel oil and killing at least 2,000 sea birds.

In January, the wreck split in two. Both halves remain on the reef — the bow section still perched above water, the stern section almost completely submerged.

Daina Shipping, incorporated in Liberia, is one of 80 subsidiaries of Greek shipping giant Costamare. Costamare reported 2011 profits of $88 million on revenues of $382 million.

Last month, a preliminary report by New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission found that when it crashed, the Rena was taking short cuts to try to reach port by a deadline.

The Rena’s captain and navigating officer have pleaded guilty to mishandling the vessel and altering ship documents after the crash. The court has suppressed the names of the men, who are both Filipino. They are due to be sentenced in May.

New Zealand’s government has estimated the cost of the cleanup at $NZ130 million, most of which will be met by insurers. Salvage crews, who have removed more than 1,000 tons of oil and recovered about half the ship’s 1,368 containers, plan to continue their work on the Rena once a storm in the area subsides.

Grounded cargo ship breaks apart on New Zealand reef>

Author
Associated Foreign Press
Your Voice
Readers Comments
1
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.