Companies allegedly responsible for one of the worst environmental disasters in Solomon Islands' history are being sued over a catastrophic oil spill that caused harm to an ecologically sensitive island. The claim, filed in the Solomons high court, alleges that over 300 tonnes of heavy fuel oil spilled, damaging the reef, a nearby lagoon, and contaminating water supplies.
Photograph: Australian Maritime Safety AuthorityPhotograph: Australian Maritime Safety AuthorityClaim over the 2019 Rennell Island disaster, which saw more than 300 tonnes of fuel leak into the water, filed in the Solomons High courtThe companies allegedly responsible for the one of the worst environmental disasters in Solomon Islands ’ history are being sued over the catastrophic oil spill that caused harm to an ecologically sensitive island.
“For six years we have not known whether the fish we are eating are safe to eat or whether our lands and waters are free of poison. Our community deserves justice for everything we have suffered.”East Rennell is a site of environmental and historical value. It was placed on Unesco’s World Heritage List in 1998 and is one of the largest raised coral atolls in the world. The oil spill occurred just outside the world heritage area, but devastated the lives of local communities.
The customary landowners of Rennell Island directly affected by the spill, along with the government of Solomon Islands, are co-claimants pursuing a group of international companies for environmental and other damages. William Kadi, from Primo Afeau Legal Services, said the communities of Rennell Island had had their traditional lands and waterways “irreversibly damaged” by the disaster.
OIL SPILL ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER SOLOMON ISLANDS Rennell ISLAND CLIMATE CHANGE
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rennell Island Seeks Justice and Compensation for Devastating 2019 Oil SpillThe people of Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands are pursuing legal action against the insurer and ship owner responsible for a 2019 oil spill that severely damaged their environment and way of life.
Read more »
Former Cloncurry councillor John Dane Swalling sentenced over 2019 flood relief fraudFormer Cloncurry councillor John Dane Swalling has been handed a suspended prison term for making fraudulent flood relief claims.
Read more »
Samoa's PM Criticizes Kennedy Jr.'s Anti-Vaccine Stance After 2019 Measles OutbreakSamoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine views and his role in spreading misinformation that contributed to the deadly 2019 measles outbreak in her country. Mata'afa expressed surprise at Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as health secretary and condemned his anti-vaccine rhetoric, stating that she disagrees with his message and that his views do not represent the majority of Americans. The 2019 outbreak, which claimed the lives of at least 83 people, was fueled by a decline in vaccination rates stemming from a medical error and anti-vaccine sentiment.
Read more »
Southern California Edison Sued Over Alleged Role in Devastating WildfiresA lawsuit filed against Southern California Edison (SCE) alleges the utility sparked one of the raging wildfires that have claimed at least 24 lives and displaced thousands in Los Angeles.
Read more »
Conor McGregor Sued for Sexual Assault at 2023 NBA FinalsA woman alleges that Conor McGregor sexually assaulted her in a bathroom at the Kaseya Center during Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Finals. The lawsuit also names the Miami Heat and Basketball Properties LLC as defendants.
Read more »
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Sued by 'It Ends With Us' DirectorActor Ryan Reynolds and actress Blake Lively are facing a lawsuit filed by the director of the film 'It Ends With Us', Justin Baldoni, and his production company Wayfarer Studios. Baldoni alleges that Lively and Reynolds defamed him and engaged in extortion by manipulating media to smear his reputation and hijack the film's production and marketing.
Read more »