New Zealand Files Charges Against M/V Rena Owners

New Zealand officials have filed charges against the owners of the grounded cargo ship MV Rena, whose stern just sunk in recent days. The vessel ran aground on the Astrolabe Reef in New Zealand about six months ago. Authorities have deemed the accident as the country’s worst maritime environmental disaster.

Maritime New Zealand has charged Daina Shipping under two sections of New Zealand's Resource Management Act with discharging harmful substances from Rena. The accusation can carry a maximum fine of US$489,000 with an additional US$8,100 fine for each day that the offenses continue without resolution. The charge has been laid in the Tauranga District Court and is expected to be on the court list on May 25, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Altogether, the stricken cargo ship has spilled 400 tons of fuel oil into New Zealand waters off Tauranga since October 2011. Clean-up work is starting on the country's east coast beaches as further debris washes up. This week, further oil spilled, more containers washed overboard and the stern of the ship became fully submerged.

Liberia-based Daina Shipping is a subsidiary of Greek shipping giant Costamare, who reported 2011 profits of $88 million on revenues of $382 million, according to TIME. 

Maritime New Zealand reports that an observation flight Thursday morning found a light sheen of oil extending two to three kilometers from the wreck. Boat skippers and vessel masters are being asked to take extreme care as the debris from the wreck poses a significant risk to shipping.

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