Shen Neng 1: taking a Douglas Shoal shortcut?

The Cosco group did not respond to inquiries about Chinese-registered bulk coal carrier Shen Neng 1, aground off the coast of Rockhampton, Australia, 05 Apr 2010.
The Great Barrier Reef stretches for more than 2,500 kilometers along Australia's northeast coast. It covers an area bigger than the United Kingdom and is largest living structure on earth. It is home to hundreds of thousands of species of marine life, many of which are rare.

Speculation has mounted about the possibility that the ship was taking a shortcut.
An MSQ spokesman said the passage was possible, but "poorly executed" by the Shen Neng 1 which was obviously "well outside the shipping lanes".
Commercial and non-commercial fishermen said they saw at least one bulk carrier duck south of Douglas Shoal every day.

shen neng 1: no marine pilot 15 miles off course

The 17-year-old coal carrier ran aground at full speed while up to 15 nautical miles off course – about 120km east of Rockhampton on the southern edge of the Great Barrier Reef.
"The cost of engaging a marine pilot for the length of the reef is a mere $8,000-$10,000 according to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. the master of the ship felt it was safe for the crew to remain on board at this stage. The Cosco Group could not be contacted for comment yesterday.

"Considering the current weather conditions the master is happy for the crew to remain on board for now,"