killer blow for the Great Barrier Reef?

It really has just been a matter of time. An oil spill within the restricted area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is a disaster for that environment.

From Associated Press

"The 230-metre bulk coal, was taking about 72,000 tons (65,000 metric tons) of coal to China. The Shen Neng 1, hit the reef at full speed, nine miles (15 kilometers) outside the shipping lane, early on Saturday evening.

So far, two tonnes of oil has leaked, causing a slick more than three kilometres long and 100 metres wide, but another 950 tonnes remains on board.

State authorities were seeking information about the effect the coal could have on the reef environment if the ship broke up before its cargo can be salvaged."

Already under grave threat, this could be the killer blow for the Great Barrier Reef.

And what about here - how many coal ships are going to be scooting around our coast - just another disaster waiting to happen.