Question Earthority!

“A Maltese-registered, 23,000-ton cargo ship, the Tzini, is being detained in Taiwan after having spilt some 110 tonnes of fuel onto the Taiwanese coastline near Suao Harbour after its tanks were punctured – creating an environmental hazard and halting fishing activities in the area. The estimated cost to the local fishing industry stands at Lm1 million, while environmental groups have expressed serious concern over ensuing damage to a coral reef sanctuary near the oil slick. As of yesterday afternoon some 110 tonnes, of a total of 711 being carried aboard the Tzini, had leaked from the ship, which has been prevented from leaving harbour by the Taiwanese Environmental Protection Administration (EPA). An EPA official yesterday blamed the captain for the oil spill and port officials have ordered the ship to remain in port until the owners, Kingston Shipping Ltd, clean up the mess and provide financial compensation to the fishing industry and for further clean up operations.” (12/27/06)