Posted for Janet Fang.

A Chinese coal carrier slammed into the Great Barrier Reef off the Central Queensland coast over the weekend, triggering fears of a devastating oil spill in one of the world’s most important marine areas.

The 230-metre Shen Neng 1 ran aground 70 kilometres east of Great Keppel Island, striking the reef at Douglas Shoal and destroying coral as it continued to slide.

Australia’s Prime Minister Kevin Rudd promised to investigate how the ship ended up grounding on the reef and also announced a review of laws governing ships nearby. Possible options to prevent future incidents include putting pilots on cargo ships near the reef (AAP).

“From where I see it, it is outrageous that any vessel could find itself 12 kilometres off course, it seems, in the Great Barrier Reef,” says Rudd (Reuters, BBC).

Australian authorities have sprayed dispersants in an attempt to break down oil which has leaked from the vessel and formed a ribbon approximately three kilometres long by 100 metres-wide. Salvage efforts are underway to save the ship, which carries 65,000 tonnes of coal and 950 tonnes of heavy fuel oil.

A preliminary report on the initial damage to the ship and its likely structrual integrity has now been performed, Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Patrick Quirk said today.

“This preliminary report is an important first step in determining the best options for getting the vessel off the shoal,” says Quirk (press release). “But it will be a difficult process that could take some time. Svitzer, the dedicated salvage experts, has done an initial assessment and are flying in specialist equipment from around the country.”

Image: Queensland Government