Keppel locals fear oil impact

Photos

Shen Neng 1 runs aground on reef

View Photo Gallery »

Related Articles

• Shen Neng 1's salvage operation
• Oil transfer is critical stage
• Oil spill clean-up delayed
• Race to stabilise ship stuck on reef
• Council activates oil disaster group
• PM labels actions as 'outrageous'
• Throw the book at ship's owner: Bligh
• Big chopper brought in for salvage
• Plea for compulsory pilots
• Keppel locals fear oil impact
• PM labels actions as 'outrageous'
• Oil may reach Yeppoon tomorrow

Route of the Shen Neng 1

View Coal vessel Shen Neng 1 in a larger map

GREAT Keppel Island residents fear their tropical paradise could be threatened by the Shen Neng 1 oil spill.

Yesterday Great Keppel Island Holiday Village’s Geoff Mercer said it was business as usual but the island didn’t need “another kick in the guts”.

Recently his shed burned down and he lost two generators.

GKI’s resort problems have been well documented.

“Great Keppel Island is still open, the oil spill is not a problem and it’s business as usual,” Mr Mercer said.

“I will stress about it if there is oil on the water and it’s coming our way.

“Right now it is not an issue and I’m trusting Great Keppel Island doesn’t have another hitch.”

Keppel Island Pizza owner Karen Christie said anything was possible with the current and winds, but she didn’t want to consider the worst case scenario.

“We are praying they are going to have it contained and it’s not going to get any worse,” she said.

“We are hoping for the best possible outcome.”