Oil spill triggers Queensland clean-up

BRISBANE - The master and owners of a cargo ship that caused Queensland's biggest oil spill in more than 30 years face the prospect of charges and huge fines.

Authorities have started an investigation into the spill from the Pacific Adventurer as environmental officers scramble to clean up the mess.

They say it could take up to a week to mop up oil that is washing up on an island off southeast Queensland, and on a mainland beach, leaving some birds coated in a black film.

Up to 30 tonnes of oil spilled into the sea off Moreton Island, after 31 shipping containers carrying 620 tonnes of ammonium nitrate fell overboard. The lost containers damaged the Pacific Adventurer's fuel stores in the hull, causing the oil to leak.

The 15km oil spill, which is 2m wide along the island's east, is the worst in Queensland in more than 30 years.

Maritime Safety Queensland general manager Captain John Watkinson said an investigation had begun.

He said the Pacific Adventurer spill involved 25-30 tonnes of oil.

The ship's company, Swire, could be fined up to A$1.5 million ($1.92 million) while individuals could be hit with fines of up to A$500,000.

Premier Anna Bligh said the spill posed a serious environmental threat.

"If there has been any breach of environmental requirements we will not hesitate to prosecute."

Environmental Protection Agency spokesman Mike Short said about 50 officers were working to clean oil from the shore of Moreton Island.

Patches of oil have also been reported at Yaroomba and Marcoola Beach, on the Sunshine Coast.

The northern end of Moreton Island is a roosting site for sea birds.

A plane equipped with special radar to detect containers has joined the search for the 31 lost containers.

- AAP, AP