A state of disaster is declared in South Korea's Taean

At about 7:30 am local time on 7 December 2007 (2230 UTC on 6 December 2007), a crane barge owned by Samsung Heavy Industries being towed by a tug collided with the anchored Hong Kong registered very large crude carrier Hebei Spirit, carrying 260,000 tonnes (290,000 ST) of crude oil. The incident occurred near the Port of Daesan, off the coast of Taean in the Yellow Sea. The barge was floating free after the cable linking it to the tug snapped in the rough seas. Although no casualties were reported, the collision holed three of the five containers aboard Hebei Spirit and resulted in the leaking of some 10,800 tonnes (11,900 ST) of oil.[2][3]

The remaining oil from the damaged containers was successfully pumped out into the undamaged containers and the holes were successfully sealed.[4][5]

The spill occurred near Mallipo Beach, considered one of South Korea's most beautiful and popular beaches.[6] The region affected by the spill is also home to one of Asia's largest wetland areas, used by migratory bird and also contains a national maritime park. It is also home to 445 sea farms.[3]

[edit] Effects

It was initially believed the oil spill would not spread due to the cold winter temperatures. However, unseasonably warm weather, combined with strong waves and unexpected wind directions, resulted in the spill expanding beyond initial expectations.[7]

On 9 December it was reported that the oil slick was already 33 km (21 mi) long and 10 m (33 ft) wide and 10 cm (4 in) thick in some areas.[3][5][7] It was also reported that at least 30 beaches have been affected and over half of the regions sea farms are believed to have lost their stocks due to the spill. Shinduri Dune, a South Korean national treasure is reported to have been saturated by the spill.[7]

Although most migratory birds have not yet arrived in the region, sea gulls, mallard ducks and other sea life have been found tarred by the oil.[6][7]

[edit] Response

The South Korean government declared a state of disaster in the region. The cost of cleanup has been estimated at 300 billion South Korean won (US$330 million) which may fall on Lloyd's of London, the insurance company for the barge, and the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund. As of 13 December the clean up involved 15 helicopters, 178 boats and over 8,600 workers. It has also been estimated the cleanup will take at least two months.[1][7]

[edit] Responsibility

It has been reported that the regional office of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries had twice tried to warn the barge captain that the barge was too close to the tanker two hours before the incident but was unable to do so.[1] The barge captain is also under investigation for sailing through the area in rough weather.[6] The tanker is reported to have been at anchor when it was hit by the barge, which had broken free from its towing lines.[5]

The South Korean Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and police admitted to having not provided sufficient amount of oil absorbent material to fishermen and residents as well as not having paid enough attention to the wind direction.[7]