Shipping firm fined for damaging reef

THE National Maritime Safety Authority has fined (unspecified amount) Feng Sea Shipping for damaging the coral reef at the China Strait passage in Milne Bay’s Alotau and for not reporting its ship running aground on May 23.
The authority said in a statement that Feng engaged a tug barge to offload the logs on the 23-year-old vessel (detained for investigations).
“Reports from Underwater Surveys conducted separately by Pacific Towing and Conservation and Environment Protection Agency (Cepa) confirmed the damage to the coral reef at Kui Island.
Chief executive officer Paul Unas said the cooperation with Cepa, Pacific Towing, Coral Sea Foundation, Sea Women of Melanesia, Customs, Immigration and Water Police would continue to tighten and ensure fast and professional response to all marine incidents in PNG waters.