Indonesia's government says it will take strong action after a cruise ship destroyed coral reefs in a popular tourist area known for its extensive marine biodiversity. The 4,267-tonne cruise ship Caledonian Sky entered the waters of Raja Ampat in West Papua province on March 4 after visiting the surrounding islands for bird watching and art performances. When it started to sail to Bitung off Sumatra island, it ran aground on coral reefs, the Co-ordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs said. - Ministry for Maritime Affairs"The destruction of the Raja Ampat coral reefs, which were developed by nature over hundreds of years, occurred in less than one day," the ministry said in a statement. Under Indonesian law, destruction of natural resources such as coral reefs, peatland and forests are criminal acts punishable by three years in jail.

Source: CBC News March 14, 2017 21:45 UTC