The 84 meter long, 4129 dwt freighter Tycoon broke its mooring and went aground at the phosphate loading area, Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island.   The Tycoon was loading phosphate when heavy swells caused the vessel to break its mooring lines and come ashore and striking the seawall.   The swells reached four meters pounding the vessel until the Tycoon broke-in-two.   The 15 crewmen on board were rescued by the Australian Navy.   Two crewmen suffered slight injuries and were taken to hospital.  The Tycoon breakup has released a large amount of pollution including 102 tons of fuel oil, 32 tons of diesel fuel, 11000 litres of lubricant oil and 260 tons of phosphate cargo.   A report states the pollution will most likely kill the coral in the cove.  Another report state the isolated community will not able to receive supplies at the wharf until the wreck can be salvaged or removed.   Authorities have started an investigation into the incident.

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