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Oil spill on Barrier Reef

Townsville Australia

Published Jul 17, 2015 1:50 PM by The Maritime Executive

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will be sending a specialized aircraft to confirm a reported oil spill on the Barrier Reef early Saturday morning. It is currently 2:30 am Saturday July 18th.

Oil was reported off Cape Upstart near, near the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland. The AMSA has oil pollution resources and staff in position in Townsville and other nearby ports. Meanwhile, other government organizations have been put on standby as well.

On Friday, a water police vessel and an Emergency Management Queensland helicopter investigated the report of oil on the waters. The later said a sheen and oily patches were found between Townsville and Bowen.

The search was prompted by unconfirmed reports of an oil spill in the area.

A Customs aircraft was unable to locate any oil when it searched Friday morning, a Transport and Main Roads Department spokeswoman said. Ships passing through the area were asked to be aware.