Australian Transport Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the Australian government will prosecute those responsible for stranding a freighter in the Great Barrier Reef marine park.

The Great Barrier Reef, the world largest reef system extends for more than 2,500 kilometres along Australia's east coast. The minister made his statements after flying over the area where the Chinese coal freighter Shen Neng 1 ran aground. The ship, which had taken an illegal shortcut through the marine park, leaked two tonnes of heavy fuel oil into the sea, threatening the Reef's delicate ecosystem. Minister Albanese said the government would also seek compensation for the costs of the clean-up operation.

In a separate incident, two Vietnamese and one South Koran have been charged with steering their ship through the Great Barrier Reef. Australian Federal Police searched the bulk carrier MV Mimosa and seized navigational equipment and charts after receiving a tip that the vessel had entered a restricted area. Bulk carriers regularly take short cuts through the Great Barrier Reef to save time and money.