Oil spill fears for ship stranded on Pacific reef

A bulk carrier stranded on a coral reef off the Solomon Islands is being battered by heavy seas whipped up in a tropical cyclone, sparking fears a major environmental disaster. Officials said water had already breached the hull of the MV Solomon Trader, which ran aground on February 5, and one unconfirmed report said oil was leaking from the vessel.

The 225-metre (740-foot) ship hit a reef near Rennell Island, the largest raised coral atoll in the world, part of which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. NDMO director Loti Yates said there was “no sign of oil spillage” although the Guardian, citing government sources, said there was some leakage which was forming a slick.

Island Sun News reported the Hong Kong-flagged ship’s owners Bintan Mining had flown in salvage experts from Australia and the US.