The Cameroonian-flagged fishing boat Marchal Krylov, has been issued a€250,000 fine by the Directorate General of Merchant Marine for spilling 200 litres of fuel into the waters of Las Palmas port on November 12th, 2023.
The fine comprises €200,000 for the fuel spill itself, which occurred due to negligence, and an additional €50,000 for failing to notify authorities as required by law.
The Ministry of Transport confirmed that the ship’s operators would also be required to reimburse Maritime Rescue for the costs incurred during the cleanup operation.
The spill occurred during a transfer of fuel between the vessel’s tanks, an operation carried out negligently according to an official investigation. The incident led to significant contamination within the port area, prompting immediate action by maritime authorities.
The Captaincy of Las Palmas activated the National Maritime Plan at level one which measures included monitoring, controlling, and cleaning the spill, which fortunately remained confined to port waters.
Legal and Environmental Ramifications
The fine highlights the strict penalties imposed for maritime pollution under Spanish law. The €250,000 sanction aims to deter similar incidents and underlines the importance of adherence to safety protocols during fuel-handling operations.
Authorities have reiterated the responsibility of all maritime operators to promptly report such incidents. Failure to do so, as in this case, compounds the severity of sanctions.
Cleanup and Containment Efforts
Maritime Rescue coordinated the response, deploying resources to mitigate environmental damage and restore water quality. The swift activation of contingency plans ensured that the fuel did not spread beyond the port's confines, minimising its impact on the broader marine environment.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the environmental risks associated with maritime activities and the necessity of stringent safety and reporting standards. It also reflects Spain’s commitment to protecting its coastal waters and holding those responsible for pollution accountable.
