Americas News
Bunker Spill Vessel Owners Facing $1 Million Fine, 18 Months Imprisonment
Transport Canada says the owners of the MV Marathassa may still be prosecuted for spilling 2,700 litres of HFO into Vancouver's English Bay on April 8, local media reports.
Jillian Glover, spokesperson for the agency, said the investigation into the incident is continuing and "If there is sufficient evidence that there is a contravention of the Canada Shipping Act, the polluter may be prosecuted in court.
"Administrative monetary penalties may also be imposed."
Under Canadian law, the owners could face a maximum penalty of $1 million or 18 months' imprisonment.
So far, Transport Canada investigators have found evidence of "some mechanical problems" with the Cyprus-flagged bulk grain carrier's piping and valves that may have caused oil to flow into the ship's duct keel.
Glover echoed previous Transport Canada disclosures by stating that another issue may have caused the oil to discharge from the duct keel into the bay, but she would not elaborate pending the outcome of the investigation.
A former marine safety inspector who wished to remain anonymous told local media that, "Normally, it is quite difficult to spill anything like that."
Glover added that whatever the outcome, the MV Marathassa owners will still have to pay for cleanup and third-party damages.
The owners have posted a $300,000 bond and agreed to appear in any legal proceedings or prosecutions.
Despite criticism over how the English Bay spill was handled, the Canadian Coast Guard has gone on record as stating that its response was "exceptional by international standards."
