Christmas Island ship poses threat to wildlife

Samantha Hayes 3news.com 10 Jan 12;

There are fears a ship breaking up in the port of Christmas Island could pose a serious threat to protected sea life in the area, like the Whale Shark.

The carrier ship Tycoon was being loaded with phosphate when it lost its moorings in a storm on Sunday and was abandoned by the crew.

The 100 metre chemical carrier the split in two in rough seas, similar to the MV Rena in Tauranga, spilling phosphate and oil into Flying Fish Cove.

"Diesel is very toxic to marine organisms and may damage both coral reef on the north coast of Christmas Island and possibly the plankton system,” says the WA Conservation Council’s Dr Nic Dunlop.

Those who came to watch or help were coated with oil – 130 tonnes was on board the ship, as well as the ship's cargo - 260 tonnes of phosphate in sealed 50 kilogram bags.

Once in the water, the phosphate could block out u-v rays and bleach coral.

January is when the world's largest fish - the whale shark – arrives in the waters of Christmas Island to feed on spawning land crabs.

"Christmas Island is a critical habitat for whale sharks one of the few places in the world,” says marine biologist Brad Norman.

The Tycoon's moorings snapped in monsoon conditions on Sunday, forcing the crew of 15 to jump for their lives. Two were injured but all were rescued by the navy.

The phosphate company says the Tycoon shouldn't have even been in port - it was due to leave days ago - but was delayed by poor facilities.

The ship is now sinking and can't be salvaged. Focus has shifted to the clean up and how to get supplies to Christmas Island's residents when the broken ship is blocking the only port.

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