Source: BBC News
April 4, 2010

A Chinese ship is in danger of breaking up after running aground off north-east Australia, sparking fears of a major oil spill into the Great Barrier Reef.

The Shen Neng 1, carrying 950 tonnes of oil, ran aground 70km (43 miles) off the east coast of Great Keppel Island.

Some oil has already leaked and there are fears the coal-carrier may split into parts, causing a greater spillage.

The Australian authorities say the ship was in a protected area, well outside the normal shipping channels.

Chemical dispersants are being used to prevent the spill threatening the World Heritage-listed marine reserve.

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