| UK. French ro-ro ferry Dieppe prosecuted for pollution in English Channel |
|
|
|
| Wednesday, 15 November 2006 | |
|
Maritime and Coastguard Agency: At a hearing yesterday at Southampton Magistrates Court the owners of a ferry pleaded guilty under UK maritime pollution legislation. They were fined £15,000 plus costs of £9,373.27. On the morning of 11th August 2004, a French customs helicopter was conducting a routine patrol in the English Channel when it observed an oil slick. The aircraft followed the oil slick and found it to be coming from the French ro-ro ferry MV DIEPPE. At the time of the sighting the MV DIEPPE was approximately 8.5 nautical miles south-south-east of Beach Head. Photographs were taken and a report made to the MCA. The incident occurred in UK waters. The MV DIEPPE runs between the ports of Newhaven and Dieppe. She is operated by Transmanche and managed by D'Orbigny Management. An investigation was started. Statements were obtained from the helicopter crew by Gendarmerie Maritime at Le Havre. The MCA contacted the owners/ship managers asking for their side of the story. It is believed that the MV DIEPPE had a long standing problem with its oily water separator which had led to restrictions on its use being imposed. The oily water separator was in use when seen by the French Customs Helicopter. The owners subsequently admitted to releasing three cubic metres of oily water. In passing sentence the Chairman of the Magistrates' Bench highlighted that there had been a problem with the oily water separator over two years and that the vessel had continued to use a troublesome piece of equipment whilst alternatives were available. Bryan Hopkins, Surveyor-in-Charge South East Marine Offices, stated: "This is a timely reminder to all ship owners, ship managers and seafarers to ensure that oily water separators are operated correctly. The importance of a properly maintained oily water separator in avoiding pollution cannot be emphasised too highly. I would like to thank French Customs and the Gendarmerie Maritime for their help and co-operation in this matter." |
|
| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 15 November 2006 ) |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|