Oil enquiry continues

The ship under investigation over an oil spill this week, Danny Rose, will be permitted to leave the Port of Brisbane tonight after a guarantee was received from its owners.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said an agreement was reached with the owners of the Danny Rose that funds had been set aside to cover the costs associated with the oil spill if the ship was found to be responsible.

“This undertaking is similar to a bank guarantee and ensures the costs associated with the oil spill are covered,” Mr Emerson said.

“The ship is carrying cargo which is urgently needed by customers in the Pacific who are in no way connected with the incident and I don’t believe they should be adversely affected.

“Given the letter of undertaking provided by the ship’s owners, the detention order will be lifted this afternoon allowing the ship to sail later tonight.”    

Mr Emerson said the departure would not impact the investigation.

“We are now concentrating on chemical matching of oil samples taken from the spill scene and from ships in the area,” he said.

“We still need to complete the investigation and put a brief of evidence together for the consideration of Crown Law for prosecution.”

Operations in the Port of Brisbane have returned to normal while the clean-up operation is expected to continue for several days.
 

[ENDS] 1 August 2013

Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625