Pacific / Environment

Environmental disaster unfolds in Solomon Islands

05:05 am on 27 February 2019

An environmental disaster is unfolding on the Solomons' island of Rennell, with tonnes of oil spilling into an internationally-significant marine reserve.

The spill from the grounded ship, MV Solomon Trader, is still not contained, and supplies and experts have been rushed in from Australia.

Meanwhile, the mining company that chartered the ship insists it's not to blame.

Jamie Tahana reports.

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The MV Solomon Trader stuck on a reef off of Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands is leaking oil into the ocean. February 2019. Photo: Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands - DFAT