Two crewmen aboard the CHinese coal-carrying ship that slammed into the Great Barrier Reef have been arrested, AFP reports:
Australian Federal Police swooped on the men who were on board the Shen Neng 1, which rammed into a coral shoal at full speed on April 3 and spilled oil into the World Heritage listed reef.
“Investigations showed that the Shen Neng 1 failed to turn at a waypoint required by the intended course of the ship,” police said in a statement.
The 47-year-old master has been charged with liability for a ship causing damage in the park, while the 44-year-old officer is charged with being in charge of the bulk carrier which ripped up part of a shoal and spilled oil.
The first man faces a fine of up to 55,000 dollars (51,000 US) and the second up to three years in prison and/or a 220,000 dollar fine, police said.
