Koryou Maru wreckage

THE Solomon’s Maritime says the Koryou Maru’s wreckage at the Point Cruz shoreline poses no threat to the marine environment.

SIMA Acting Director Mr Timothy Harris said at this stage no pollution damage to marine environment has been found concerning the Koryou Maru’s wreckage around Point Cruz sea shore.

He said this is according a report carried out by an assigned team, and they are preparing to compile a final report from an assessment done from the Koryou Maru shipping vessel.

Mr Harris said, “although debris seen or found around the vicinity, the marine environment is safe with no possible of oil spill that would harm the marine biodiversity, and residence access marine resources.”

Moreover, Mr Harris said a report reaching them has confirmed that two big tanks in the Koryou Maru have been removed.

Since SIMA found no pollution damage, Mr Harris said they will not make any claims of compensation for pollution damage from the registered owner or from the insurer.

He said, according to the shipping act 1998, if ship wreckage found pollution damage to marine environment there is possibility for compensation directly from insurer or the owner.

Mr Harris said there are plans and activities in place for salvaging the Koryou Maru wreckage, and they are also aware of many wreckages around shorelines of Solomon Islands.

However, Mr Harris encourages ship owners to report vessel conditions, and ensure to be anchored in safe places from bad weather, saying this is a common mistake to many.

The Koryou Maru was washed ashore by a recent bad weather hit Honiara that came with heavy winds and huge waves.

The is a general cargo boat servicing Solomon Islands lately which was used to be a longline vessel, and it was owned by a woman from Malaita under the PM Shipping Company.