[Aliantha]

The knowledge we have suggests the oil will cause more damage, but thousands of tonnes of coal in the reef environment is an unknown quantity at this point in time. It's never happened before in scientific history, so there are only theories so far. It is likely, should the ship break up before it can be salvaged, that there will be significant damage caused by the coal. Unfortunately no-one knows for sure though. My guess is that it would depend on an incoming or outgoing tide for starters.

Dazza would obviously know a lot more about this subject than I do though, and if you're interested, I'll ask him and let you know what he says.