TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) visited Lanyu Friday (Oct. 11) to inspect the progress of the oil cleanup from the stranded ore carrier the Blue Lagoon.

The ship, registered in Barbados, let in water on Oct. 1 as Typhoon Krathon was approaching the area. The 19-member crew was airlifted to safety by helicopter, but the ship became stuck southeast of the port of Longmen.

As it was carrying 229 tons of very-low sulfur fuel oil, 25 tons of diesel, 70 tons of lubricants, and 67,500 tons of granulated blast furnace slag, there was concern the load would cause serious pollution around the popular tourist destination, per CNA.

However, observation using satellites and a drone had so far shown no sign of a serious oil leak emanating from the Blue Lagoon. Divers who took pictures in the area found that ore had escaped from the ship, but no oil products.

Kuan called on the owners and insurers to submit a plan to prevent pollution and a timetable to remove the vessel from its present location. The companies could use pictures and live footage to explain their actions, she said.

Even after the ship has been removed, the authorities will continue to monitor the environment in the area, according to the OAC’s Ocean Conservation Administration.