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Samsung HI implicated in Korean spill

Samsung HI implicated in Korean spill

Seoul: The leak in the oil tanker Hebei Spirit is reported to be finally sealed, but not before a slick measuring some 17km washed ashore on the Korean west coast at Taean, to the south of Seoul. Korean authorities have declared a 'state of disaster' and clean-up efforts continue.

Meanwhile, attention has switched to investigation of why a barge carrying an 11,800-ton crane allegedly broke free from its tug during towage operations and collided with the stationary tanker, puncturing its single hull and causing the leak.

The crane is operated by Samsung Heavy Industries, local media have reported, and was on its way back to the company's main yard on Geoje Island (pictured), off the country's southeast coast, after having been used in construction of a bridge in Incheon, outside Seoul. Shares in Samsung HI, barge owner Samsung Corp and barge insurer Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co have all fallen sharply.  [11/12/07]