21.   French maritime authorities have ruled the immediate area around the end of the pipe off limits during cleaning.

22.   French maritime authorities were to fly over the site today to evaluate the potential for environmental damage, including the possibility of fuel leaks from the vessel.

23.   International law allows maritime authorities to stop vessels in international waters to question them about their next ports of call, said Coast Guard spokesman Mark Woodring.

24.   Malaysian maritime authorities said Sunday that a Malaysian oil tanker believed to have been hijacked in the South China Sea may have been spotted near the Philippines.

25.   Maritime authorities did not answer their phones and did not immediately return calls from the AP.

26.   Maritime authorities have warned that the haze is expected to continue for a few more weeks and that all ships plying the strait should be careful.

27.   Maritime authorities stressed that the country can maintain its competitiveness through training and upgrading of seafarers.

28.   Maritime authorities in Pacific island countries have been alerted also.

29.   Maritime authorities on Thursday began cleanup operations in the worst-affected area.

30.   Maritime authorities said they planned to try to refloat the boat during the mid afternoon high tide and tow it into the Bayonne harbor.