The captain of the stricken cargo ship Rena has been arrested and charged.
Minister for the Environment Nick Smith confirmed the arrest this morning.
``The die was pretty much cast the moment that vessel hit that reef. It is inexplicable that on a perfectly calm day, with all the modern
technology that is available in terms of navigation, that a well-documented reef could be hit in this way,'' he said on National Radio.
The man has been charged under section 65 of the Maritime Transport Act and also under the Resource management Act as the incident occurred within New Zealand's 12-mile territorial sea, Dr Smith said.
Officials were also looking at possible further charges and more people may also be charged.
Section 65 relates to dangerous activity involving ships or maritime products.
``It is an offence to operate or maintain any vessel or maritime product in a way that causes any unnecessary danger or risk to any other person or property, irrespective of whether any injury or damage occurs.
Transport Minister Stephen Joyce said penalties were up to a year in jail and/or a $10,000 fine.
The Filippino captain will appear in Tauranga District Court this morning.
