Brisbane Times | Great Barrier Reef oil spill: aircraft to sweep area as slick confirmed Brisbane Times The oil spill - in waters between the coast and the reef - was confirmed by Townsville Water police and Maritime Safety Queensland staff about 6.40pm on Friday. "We can confirm some patches of oily water have been sighted in the water south of ... Great Barrier Reef oil patch found by water police boat amid 20km spill reports Oil spill confirmed along Great Barrier Reef Great Barrier Reef oil spill reports spark air, water search |