The flow of crude oil spilling from a damaged Maltese oil tanker, The Tasman Sea, into the Bohai Sea off the eastern coast of north China's Tianjin City, had been brought under control by Monday afternoon.

Last Saturday's collision between the oil tanker and a Chinese vessel, The Shunkai No.1, left a band of crude oil 2.5 sea miles long and 1.4 sea miles wide.

The oil came from the ship's damaged third compartment which has since been repaired.

Local authorities worked hard to stem the leak despite bad weather conditions involving high seas and strong wind.

Helicopters were sent to inspect the state of the oil spill.

The Maltese oil tanker has been allowed to dock at Tianjin port for investigation. The cause of the accident is still unclear.

(People's Daily November 25, 2002)