Whitsunday’s most sensitive environmental areas could be under threat because of a ship wrecked on the coast is causing oil spill.
What happened?
The rusted Japanese-built ‘Tateyama Maru’, show that it is firmly aground on the uninhabited Gloucester Island.
Whitsunday MP Jason Costigan was at the site and described the area as a disgrace and said it could get worse without action.
“I went and saw it on a tinny,” Mr Costigan told the Mercury.
Area inspected:
Member for Whitsunday Jason Costigan inspected the area where a boat had run aground.
Jason Cosigan said, “We just need to have the problem fixed. It’s a rust bucket and it’s going to be a significant environmental risk.”
“We could offer it up to the Royal Australian Navy for target practice.”
Ship rotting in water for a long time:
Mr Costigan said the ship had been in the waters around Gloucester Island for some time.
“I might add this vessel has been in local waters for months and months and as far as I’m concerned, she should have been ordered out of the Whitsunday Islands well before TC Debbie headed our way,” he said.
Action to be initiated:
Mr Costigan said he wants action now and has contacted Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and National Parks & Maritime Safety Queensland to get it removed. National Parks & Maritime Safety Queensland did not respond.
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Source: Mackay Daily Mercury
Where is the ship owner？