Owners of ship that hit reef charged

AUTHORITIES in New Zealand have filed charges against the owners of a cargo ship that ran aground on a reef six months ago, creating what has been described as the country’s worst maritime environmental dis- aster.

Daina Shipping with was charged with discharging harmful substances from the vessel Rena by Maritime New Zealand.

The charge carries a maximum fine of of £310,000 plus £5,120 for each day the offending continues.

The Rena ran aground on 5 October on the Astrolabe reef near Tauranga, spilling 400 tons of fuel oil and killing at least 2,000 sea birds.

In January, the wreck split in two. Both halves remain on the reef, with the bow still above the water.

Daina Shipping, incorporated in Liberia, is one of 80 subsidiaries of Greek shipping giant Costamare.