NSW: Opened valves cause spill, says Shell chairman Duncan

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-1999
NSW: Opened valves cause spill, says Shell chairman Duncan

SYDNEY, Aug 4 AAP - Open valves on the Italian tanker Laura D'Amato appeared to be the
cause of the Sydney Harbour oil spill, Shell Australia Ltd chairman Peter Duncan said today.

Mr Duncan said Shell was not responsible for the accident which dumped thousands of litres
of crude oil into the harbour last night while the tanker was unloading the cargo at the
company's terminal at Gove Bay.

It appeared the crew of the Laura D'Amato was at fault, he said.

"I believe it's two valves and they are valves which are connected with the balancing of
the tanks ... apparently that's the approximate cause of the leakage," he told reporters.

A massive clean-up operation is underway.

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KEYWORD: TANKER VALVES

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