New Zealand / Regional

Vessel praised for quick oil spill response

18:47 pm on 1 April 2015

A fishing vessel is being praised for taking quick action to limit an oil spill from another ship in Timaru Port.

The port at Timaru. The South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce says a strong local economy is producing more exports than ever. Photo: RNZ

The Canterbury Regional Council said a Sanford fishing vessel spotted a fuel spill coming from a bulk carrier yesterday evening.

It immediately reported it and then used its own equipment to stop it spreading.

A regional council spokesperson said that swift action minimised the spill and meant there was no harm to the environment.

It said an investigation was underway into the incident and enforcement action may be taken against the owner of the bulk carrier.