[Greens-Media] Ship Accident Threatens Newcastle with Environmental Catastrophe

[Ian Cohen]

Media Release						                
  8 June 2007


Ship Accident Threatens Newcastle with Environmental Catastrophe  

The running aground of a massive coal ship at Newcastle will be a
disaster for the marine environment and the community if the ship breaks
up, said Greens Upper House MP Ian Cohen.

The 40,000 tonne Pasha Bulker, a bulk carrier ship which was moored off
Nobby’s Beach at Newcastle, broke its moorings in severe weather this
morning and ran into rocks.

“If this ship breaks up, spilling thousands of litres of heavy fuel
into the ocean, it will be a tragedy for the marine environment in the
area. It is lucky that the ship is empty of cargo, or the risks would be
even worse” Mr Cohen said.

“There must be a full and thorough investigation into how this could
have occurred and why the ship was in this situation despite severe
weather warnings. It is outrageous that the ship should be moored so
close to shore in these conditions.

“With the approval of Anvil Hill mine yesterday and the plans for the
new coal loader in Newcastle, the potential for these types of accidents
will only increase. 

“I wonder how this fits in with the Premier’s much-touted ‘clean
coal’ strategy. This is an industry fraught with the potential for
environmental disasters.” Mr Cohen said.


Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466