MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Reefer fined for spillage towed to Montevideo

The owner and master of the reefer Nova Scotia operating in the Falkland Islands have pleaded guilty to failing to report to Stanley's Harbour Master oil or oil residue or a mixture containing oil, which escaped into Berkley Sound.

The master, Peter Mosselburger and Owners Thien and Heyenga GmbH were each fined fifteen hundred pounds for the offence.

Ros Cheek prosecuting told the court that the Nova Scotia had come into a collision with Cochon Island and managed to free herself. The collision happened around quarter to two in the morning of the 20th April.

At first light, the crew noted an oil spillage from the number four tank on the port side. The master informed the ship's owners and agents FIC.

The Harbour Master was later informed of the spillage by a member of the FIC Shipping Agency.

Richard Marlor for the defence said the reason for the damage was an uncharted rock and argued that the master simply forgot to inform the authorities.

"He wasn't intending on concealing anything and has apologised for his failure to contact the Fisheries Department as was his duty".

Senior Magistrate Clare Faulds, sentencing said that although the oversight was not intentional, nevertheless they had the duty to report to the Harbour Master.

Mr Mosselburger and Thien and Heyenga GmbH were each ordered to pay three hundred and twenty pounds towards court costs.

The Nova Scotia is to be towed to Montevideo for repairs by the high seas tug Anglia Warrior.

However the reefer remains impounded until payment of the fine is made. (FIBS)