Oil Spill Off Australian Coast Creates Environmental Disaster

Nearly 40 miles of beach has been blackened, causing authorities to declare the area coastland and local islands a disaster zone.

Worst hit have been the national parks on Bribie and Moreton islands and along the Sunshine Coast. There are now reports that the ship has also leaked oil in the Brisbane River after it was brought to port and detained by Australian Maritime Safety Authority port officials.

"This could be the worst environmental disaster we have faced," State Premier Anna Bligh said. "If there is any grounds for prosecution of this ship and its owners, we will not hesitate to take that action."

The ship was damaged by containers of ammonium nitrate, which fell overboard and ripped a hole in the hull as the ship was buffeted by rough seas caused by Cyclone Hamish.