Swire Shipping, the operator of the Pacific Adventurer which lost 31 containers and suffered damage to one of its fuel oil tanks off the Queensland coast during a storm yesterday morning, is assisting the authorities to minimise environmental damage.

The company very much regrets the environmental impact caused as a consequence of the vessel being caught in Cyclone Hamish. The company and its insurers will meet all their responsibilities.

It has chartered a helicopter to survey the extent of the oil slick and to try to locate the containers.

The company is in contact with Queensland government officials and has offered to provide any information that will help the clean up campaign to be targeted efficiently to minimise beach pollution and environmental impact.

The companys oil pollution expert is arriving from the Middle East tonight to assist local authorities and technical experts with the clean up.

Senior executives from the company are also in discussions with the authorities regarding further assistance and are prepared to make available whatever manpower and resources that may be necessary.

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