The city of Los Angeles has launched legal action to recoup costs involved in cleaning up the 2016 oil spill from the Istra Ace car carrier.

It has sued owner Istra Maritime, operator Stamco Ship Management and charterer MOL at the superior court.

Oil from the 4,900-ceu ship (built 2007) was reported to have spread over more than 70 acres and took 23 days to clean up.