SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION OF POLLUTING VESSEL AT SOUTHAMPTON
On Thursday, 21 October 2004, Southampton magistrates upheld a summons issued by Associated British Ports (ABP), the statutory harbour authority for the Port of Southampton, against the owners of the sailing yacht Yemanja, who admitted polluting the waters of a marina within the harbour with between 10 and 20 litres of diesel oil on 2 August this year.
The owners pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 131 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 and were fined £1,500, plus costs of £1,332.
Southampton magistrates were told how, within minutes of the pollution incident being reported to ABP’s port office, the Harbour Master's staff activated the port's Oil Spill Contingency Plan. The immediate response ensured that there was no harmful or damaging impact on the environmentally sensitive areas of Southampton Water.
Commenting on the outcome of the successful prosecution, Captain Steven Young, Harbour Master, Port of Southampton, said:
"The fine awarded by the magistrates highlights the importance of maintaining clean and safe waterways for navigation.The laws regarding pollution apply to all users of Southampton Water alike.The outcome of today's hearing sends a clear and unambiguous message to all vessels and users of Southampton that any pollution in and of our waters is unacceptable.”
The penalty for any owner or master caught polluting Southampton Water is a criminal conviction and a fine of up to £250,000 in the Magistrates Court or for very serious incidents that are heard in the Crown Court an unlimited fine.
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