Amorgos oil spill

The Amorgos oil spill began on 14 January 2001 near Kenting National Park, off the southern coast of Taiwan.

On 14 January 2001, the Greek merchant vessel Amorgos, lost power while en route from India to North China. The carrier was transporting approximately 60,000 tons of iron ore and an estimated 1,000 to 1,150 tons of fuel oil when the ship suffered engine failure near Kenting National Park, off the southernmost tip of Taiwan. The crew subsequently abandoned the ship, and all 25 crew members were rescued by the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) of Taiwan. Due to deteriorating weather and sea conditions, the hull of the Amorgos split, and oil began to leak from the vessel beginning 18 January 2010.

Approximately 1,300 tons of fuel oil leaked from the Amorgos into the sea surrounding Kenting National Park, causing major damage to the and local environment.

Kenting National Park is an ecological attraction that draws millions of tourists each year due to its warm climate and its many natural phenomena, including limestone caves, monsoon forests and coastal rainforests.

Around 4 to 5 kilometers of the Kenting National Park shoreline was oiled by the spillage, creating a hazardous environment for the 200 bird species and estimated 2,200 plant species within the park. Park officials reported that contaminated coral and dead fish, crabs, shrimp, and clams have washed ashore.

There were many factors that contributed to the delayed response and subsequent clean-up efforts concerning the Amorgos incident.

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Wikipedia