Australia Sends More Help for Solomon Islands Oil Spill

Australia is sending more help to the Pacific nation of the Solomon Islands to stop oil from a grounded cargo ship destroying a World Heritage-listed marine sanctuary, Australia’s foreign minister said on Sunday. 
At least 75 tons of heavy fuel oil has spilled from Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier Solomon Trader since Cyclone Oma drove it onto a reef at Rennell Island on Feb. 5, Reuters reported. 
The ship was carrying 700 tons of oil when it ran aground and there are fears the remaining fuel will spoil Rennell Island, the world’s largest raised coral atoll and home to many species found nowhere else. 
“Australia remains extremely concerned by the ongoing risk of a major oil spill,” said Foreign Minister Marise Payne in a release on Sunday. 
“Up to 75 tons of heavy fuel oil from the ship has dispersed across the Island’s sea and shoreline, contaminating the ecologically delicate area. 
“Given escalating ecological damage, and a lack of action by commercial entities involved, the Solomon Islands government has requested Australia’s assistance.” 
Payne said in response, Australia was sending equipment, vessels and experts under the leadership of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. 
The eastern half of Rennell Island was the first natural property to be inscribed on the World Heritage List with customary management, and is home to 1,200 Polynesians who live by subsistence farming, hunting and fishing, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization website showed.