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Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 09:53 AM
A Chinese ship captain and a chief officer have been arrested and charged with causing damage to the Great Barrier Reef, Australian police said today.
The move comes more than a week after their coal carrier ran aground, leaking oil and tearing a two-mile gash in the protected area.
The Australian Federal Police said the Master of the vessel and the chief officer on watch would appear in court tomorrow.
The 47-year-old Master is charged with liability for the vessel causing damage in a marine park, an offence which carries a maximum AUS$55,000 (€37,500) fine.
The 44-year-old officer is accused of being the person in charge of the vessel on April 3 when it caused the damage, and faces up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to AUS$220,000 (€150,000).
A Chinese ship captain and a chief officer have been arrested and charged with causing damage to the Great Barrier Reef, Australian police said today.
The move comes more than a week after their coal carrier ran aground, leaking oil and tearing a two-mile gash in the protected area.
The Australian Federal Police said the Master of the vessel and the chief officer on watch would appear in court tomorrow.
The 47-year-old Master is charged with liability for the vessel causing damage in a marine park, an offence which carries a maximum AUS$55,000 (€37,500) fine.
The 44-year-old officer is accused of being the person in charge of the vessel on April 3 when it caused the damage, and faces up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to AUS$220,000 (€150,000).
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