Criminal prosecution for environmental offences

• In August 2002, the owner and skipper of the fishing vessel St Jacques II made history by being the first 'third party' to be prosecuted for causing pollution by a tanker. The spill resulted from a collision in the English Channel between the fishing vessel and theGudermes. The 'polluter pays' principle was applied as the collision was caused by the fishing vessel.
• In November 2000, the owners of the shuttle tanker Stena Alexita were prosecuted for violating pollution laws. The owners were fined and forced to pay clean-up costs after being photographed discharging oily water overboard during routine operations, where there was a breakdown in ship's procedures.
• In August 2000, the owner of the containership Coastal Bay was fined after grounding on a Welsh beach, causing a diesel spill. The owner was found guilty of failing to implement a safe watchkeeping system.
• In 1995, the Milford Haven Port Authority and the harbourmaster were prosecuted for the Sea Empress oil spill for salvage-related issues. Ultimately, the harbourmaster was acquitted.

08 Jul 2004