Tuesday, April 30, 2013

US Minesweeper Runs Aground on Coral Reef

"US Navy says it must dismantle minesweeper stuck on reef in Philippines" Associated Press, January 31, 2013

MANILA — The US Navy said Wednesday it would dismantle a minesweeper that ran aground on a coral reef in the Philippines....

The Navy is investigating the incident, which caused Philippine government agencies and environmentalists to express concern about the ­extent of damage to the reef.

Philippine President ­Benigno Aquino III said last week that the US Navy must explain how the ship got off course. He said the Navy would face fines for damaging the ­environment....

The Navy and the US ­ambassador to the Philippines, Harry K. Thomas, have apologized for the grounding and promised to cooperate with its close ally.

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