NSW:Tanker empty, but held in harbour as investigations continue

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-1999
NSW:Tanker empty, but held in harbour as investigations continue

The tanker at the centre of Sydney Harbour's worst ever oil spill has been emptied of its
cargo but is being kept in port as authorities prepare to lay charges against its owners.

The Italian tanker the Laura D'Amato leaked an estimated 80,000 litres of oil into
Australia's most famous waterway on Tuesday night, creating a 10-kilometre oil slick.

Authorities investigating the spill have ruled out sabotage as a possible cause of the
spill but have confirmed they'll prosecute the owners of the tanker, seeking penalties of up
to $1 million.

A Sydney Ports Corporation spokeswoman says the prosecution is continuing to gather
evidence for its case and it isn't known when charges will be laid.

Sydney Ports and the Waterways Authority says the Laura D'Amato has completed the transfer
of the remainder of its cargo.

But they say a decision hasn't been made on when the vessel will be allowed to leave.

Oil Spill incident controller MATT TAYLOR, who's heading the state's government's inquiry
into the spill, says he's expected to complete his report into the incident by the end of the
week.

AAP RTV nd/rat

KEYWORD: TANKER (SYDNEY)

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