Container Ship That Ran Aground Being Held for Inspection

(AUSTRALIA) - The MSC BASEL, bound for Singapore, ran aground Monday in Moreton Bay off Brisbane, Australia. Maritime Safety Queensland officials believe the ship may have been carrying hazardous materials. On Tuesday divers were inspecting the hull for chemical, fertilizer of other materials harmful to the environment. Australian news agencies report that a faulty steering system caused the Liberian-flagged container ship to run aground early Monday morning. The ship was travelling 800m outside the normal shipping channel when it ran into the Yule Sandbanks between Moreton and Bribie Islands in Moreton Bay. The rising tide freed the ship but she will remain under a detention order until Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigators can determine the cause of the accident and ensure structural safety. Response teams report that no oil has leaked.