There is minor oil leakage from MV. J.HARMS that sank off a reef near Noro in Western province on Monday.
This was confirmed by a team from the Marine Authority Solomon Islands (SIMA) and Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Disaster Management in their assessment conducted on the vessel.
SIMA Director Thierry Nervale told this paper that an inspection-assessment team is still in Noro to update on possible pollution caused by the sinking vessel.
“There is light oil leaking from the sunken vessel coming to the surface by bubbles probably oily substances from the engine room.
“Inspection of surroundings and along the coast has not revealed pollution by oil,” he said.
He added from the information declared by the ship owner, there was no fuel oil left on board as the vessel was not in operation but there may be numerous empty drums left on board that we need to confirm.
“On behalf of SIMA and as Director, I have to say that I am again extremely disappointed that we have to face another case of vessel sinking and pollution while we keep reminding ship owners’ responsibility of their vessel’s maintenance and operations,” he said.
The owner of the ship can’t be contacted by this paper because SIMA hasn’t revealed yet at this time who owns the ship.
By Lachlan Eddie
Solomon Star, Newsroom
