Ship Crashes Into Christmas Island, Australia

Cargo ship Tycoon's mooring broke its line on Monday, causing it to smash against the sea wall of Christmas Island, Australia in heavy seas.

The Seven Network reported that the crew of 15 Thai nationals was all rescued before the ship began to break up.

But officials have said that oil has spilled into the Pacific Ocean.

[Toby Stone, Maritime Safety Officer]:
"There has been a release of oil. Some of it has impacted on the beaches, and there has been release of some fertilizer as well."

Up to 130 tons of diesel and oil, and up to 260 tons of phosphate power were on the ship when it hit land.

The Australian Maritime Authority has yet to assess how much of Tycoon's cargo has leaked into the ocean.