Asian Lily 
- Name
- Asian Lily
- Accident date
- 24/12/2012
- Location
- Papua New-Guinea
- Accident area
- Kwaiawata island
- Spill area
- Inshore
- Cause of spill
- Nature of pollutant
- bunker fuel
- Quantity spilled
- very little
- Ship / structure type
- Cargo vessel
- Built date
- 1998
- Length
- 136 m
- Width
- 20 m
- Draught
- 6.3 m
- Flag
- Panama
- Owner
- Santoku Shipping Osaka
The accident
On the night of the 24th of December 2012, the reefer vessel, Asian Lily, was sailing from New Zealand to the Philippines, when it ran aground on the island of Kwaiawata, in Papua New Guinea. This accident caused a breach in the hull of the ship releasing fuel oil into the sea. On the 27th of December, two tugs were sent to the area, and the ship was refloated on the 10th of January 2013.
Response in an isolated area
Minor pollution was observed over a 115 metre long section of shoreline. This area is especially sensitive and very isolated, so specific logistical means were necessary in order to intervene. On the 5th of January, a plan of action was put in place. Access to the site was very difficult, which complicated clean-up operations.
Impact on the ecosystem
Scientists feared a possible impact of this pollution, although only minor, on the marine and land-based species of the island as well as on the mangrove. Milne Bay harbours a very rich biodiversity. Luckily, the pollution remained minor.
External links
Spillcon 2013, Case studies, Dr Michael O'Brien, ITOPF
Pacific Towing, Towing company based in Papua New Guinea
Marine traffic, Information on the vessel