Seattle, WA – Greek shipping companies Gallia Graeca Shipping Ltd. and Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. were sentenced to a combined $1.3 million in fines and five years of probation following a conviction for illegally dumping oily waste into the Pacific Ocean and a subsequent cover-up, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington announced. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on October 21, 2016, aims to deter similar environmental crimes within the maritime industry.
The case stemmed from an investigation into the M/V Gallia Graeca’s voyage from China to Seattle in October 2015. Prosecutors presented evidence demonstrating that the vessel’s oil water separator – a crucial pollution control device – was inoperable. Despite this, the ship discharged approximately 5,000 gallons of oily bilge water overboard on three separate occasions. Rather than reporting the violations, company managers allegedly directed engineers to falsify records and deceive Coast Guard inspectors.
During a Coast Guard inspection, engineers attempted to present a facade of compliance, manipulating the malfunctioning oil water separator to *appear* functional. However, inspectors discovered clogged filters saturated with oil and residue within the discharge piping, revealing the deception. The ship’s official oil record book falsely stated no discharges had occurred during the voyage. Prosecutors characterized the voyage as “a voyage of deception and pollution,” highlighting the deliberate efforts to conceal the illegal dumping to avoid potential delays and maintain a lucrative $25 million cargo contract.
Legal Ramifications and Penalties
Gallia Graeca Shipping Ltd. and Angelakos (Hellas) S.A. were found guilty of violating several federal statutes, including the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (33 U.S.C. 1908(a)), falsifying records in a federal investigation (18 U.S.C. 1519), and engaging in a scheme to defraud the United States (18 U.S.C. 1001(a)(1)). In addition to the $1.3 million fine, Judge Coughenour ordered a $200,000 community service payment, split between the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the National Parks Foundation, earmarked for marine restoration and beach cleanup efforts along the Washington coast. Two engineers aboard the vessel also received prison sentences before returning to Greece.
A Message to the Industry
U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes emphasized the gravity of the offenses, stating the companies “promoted a culture of lies and lawlessness” and that the penalties were intended to “resonate and cause other companies to pause when they think about creating a corporate culture that encourages deception.” Captain Joe Raymond of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Puget Sound echoed this sentiment, underscoring the agency’s commitment to protecting the marine environment through robust enforcement of pollution prevention laws.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Gallia Graeca Shipping Ltd. & Angelakos (Hellas) S.A.
- Crime: Illegal dumping of oily waste into the Pacific Ocean and falsification of records.
- Location: Pacific Ocean, near Washington State
- Year: 2017 (based on sentencing date of October 21, 2016, related to 2015 incidents)
- Fine: $1.3 million
- Community Service: $200,000 to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation & National Parks Foundation
- Probation: 5 years
- Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1908(a), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4), 18 U.S.C. 1519, 18 U.S.C. 1001(a)(1)
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division, demonstrating a unified front against maritime pollution and fraudulent practices. This case serves as a stark reminder that companies prioritizing profit over environmental responsibility will face severe consequences.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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