Cargo ship captain granted bail over oil spill
The ship's master blamed for Queensland's worst environmental disaster will be free to continue sailing along the state's coast.
The cargo ship Pacific Adventurer spilled more than 200,000 litres of heavy fuel oil off the south-east Queensland coast last month.
Its hull was pierced by containers of ammonium nitrate as they fell overboard.
Filipino Bernardino Gonzalos Santos, 47, was at the helm at the time.
Brisbane magistrate Chris Callaghan today granted Santos conditional bail, after being told the accused has a defence under the Transport Operations Marine Pollution Act.
Tony Glynn, acting for Santos, said his client is valued by his employer and wants to continue working, which involves frequent trips to and from Australia.
Mr Glynn said his client will vigorously defend the charge against him, which could mean a maximum $350,000 fine.
He says Santos can show the oil discharge was from accidental damage to the ship.
Mr Glynn said there is no jail penalty for the offence and Santos should be allowed to return to work and to his family in the Philippines.
Santos will be free to leave Australia once he has paid a $100,000 deposit.
He is due to face court again in June.