Japanese Tanker Spills 1.4 Million Gallons Of Crude In Indian Ocean

[hatrack]

TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese tanker spilled about 1.4 million gallons of crude oil in the eastern Indian Ocean following a collision with a cargo ship, the tanker's operator said Tuesday. The spill is believed to be the largest ever involving Japanese-operated tankers, according a ship owner Mitsui O.S.K. Lines.

The Bright Artemis tanker spilled the oil following a collision Monday with the Amar, a smaller cargo ship, Mitsui O.S.K. said in a statement. The accident took place 300 miles west of India's Nicobar Islands as the tanker tried to maneuver near the Amar, which had reported a fire on board. Both ships are registered in Singapore.

The exact amount of the spill was not clear, the announcement said. The tanker was carrying about 77.6 million gallons of crude. It had left port in Oman bound for the Japanese port of Chiba, near Tokyo, Mitsui O.S.K. spokesman Hidenori Onuki said.

There was no risk of further leaks and the tanker had left the accident scene. It was seeking a port for repairs before continuing on to Japan, Onuki said.

EDIT

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2006-08-15-japan-oil-tanker_x.htm