Filipino Swire captain faces Queensland oil spill trial

THE Filipino captain of cargo ship, the Pacific Adventurer, who has been blamed for one of Queensland's worst oil spills, is expected to face trial in the new year.

Bernardino Gonzales Santos, 48, and the owner-operators, Swire Shipping, Swire Navigation, China Navigation and Blue Wind Shipping, will each face one charge of discharging oil into coastal waters, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The accident happened when cargo containers fell overboard from the ship last year, piercing the hull, releasing 270,000 litres of oil into the sea with some washing up on Queensland beaches.

A pre-trial hearing has been set for January when a trial date is expected to be set. The report added that the prosecution will centre its case about claims that the lashings securing the containers were poorly maintained.
(Source:www.schednet.com)