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Major Oil Spills in Australia

Arthur Phillip, Cape Otway, Victoria, 21 May 1990

On 21 May 1990 an extensive oil slick was sighted approximately four nautical miles (nm) south east of Cape Otway by the pilot of a light aircraft. The slick was reported to extend for approximately 10 nm.

On 23 May 1990 first reports were received of oil coming ashore and of dead or oiled penguins. The spill ultimately killed or seriously affected over 200 fairy penguins. Some beach clean up was also carried out.

Investigations were initiated by Department of Transport (now the Australian Maritime Safety Authority) officers. However, samples obtained from suspect ships did not match the sample taken from the polluted area. Several days later information was received that an oil spill occurred from an Australian flag tanker in the vicinity of Cape Otway at the time of the oil slick sighting report.

As the spill took place in waters to which Commonwealth legislation applies, the investigation was passed to the Australian Federal Police. As a result of this investigation, a number of summonses were issued in November 1990 under the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983.

Both Caltex Tanker Co and the master of the Arthur Phillip were charged with illegally discharging oil and an oily mixture in contravention of the Act. In addition, the master was charged with failing to report the spill and failing to make appropriate entries in the vessel's oil record book.

In the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 22 May 1991, both Caltex and the Master were committed for trial. The company and the master pleaded guilty and the owner was fined $60,000 and the master $4,000. Clean up and investigation costs of $105,000 were paid by the shipowner. The major part of the clean up costs were incurred in monitoring the spill and the cleaning and care of wildlife.

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October 2005