Seattle, WA – Tryfon Angelou, a second engineer aboard the Greek-owned cargo vessel M/V Gallia Graeca, was found guilty in June 2016 of multiple felony charges related to the illegal dumping of oily waste into the Pacific Ocean and a subsequent cover-up. The case, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, revealed a deliberate scheme to bypass pollution control equipment and falsify records to evade detection by the U.S. Coast Guard.
According to court documents and testimony, the M/V Gallia Graeca sailed from China to Seattle in October 2015. During the voyage, the ship’s oil water separator – a crucial device for preventing the discharge of oil-contaminated water – was rendered inoperable. Instead of repairing the equipment or properly disposing of the oily bilge water, Angelou, along with Chief Engineer Konstantinos Chrysovergis and representatives from the owning and operating companies, ANGELAKOS (HELLAS) S.A. and GALLIA GRAECA SHIPPING LTD, allegedly ordered the direct discharge of approximately 5,000 gallons of waste overboard on three separate occasions.
The deception extended to a staged inspection by the Coast Guard. Engineers intentionally manipulated the oil water separator during the inspection to create the illusion that it was functioning correctly, despite its known deficiencies. Furthermore, the ship’s oil record book – a legally required log of all oil-related discharges – was falsified to conceal the illegal dumping. Inspectors discovered clogged filters and oil residue indicating the separator hadn’t been serviced in months and that discharges had occurred despite claims to the contrary.
A Voyage of Deception
Prosecutors characterized the operation as “a voyage of deception and pollution,” arguing the defendants prioritized maintaining the ship’s schedule – and a lucrative $25 million cargo contract – over environmental regulations. Evidence suggested communication between shipping company executives and the engineers regarding how to present the oil record book to inspectors, highlighting a concerted effort to mislead authorities. The Coast Guard’s investigation, conducted in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, uncovered the scheme after noticing inconsistencies during the routine inspection.
Legal Ramifications
Angelou, along with Chrysovergis, was convicted on 12 felony counts, violating Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, the MARPOL Protocol – Prevention of Pollution from Ships, specifically 18 U.S.C. 1519 (false statements), 33 U.S.C. 1908(a) (discharge of oil), and 18 U.S.C. 1001 (falsification of documents). Both engineers were sentenced in August 2016 to 10 days of incarceration. The shipping companies also faced penalties, though details of those were not immediately available. This case underscores the EPA and Coast Guard’s commitment to prosecuting maritime pollution crimes and holding those responsible accountable for endangering the marine environment.
Key Facts:
- Defendant: Tryfon Angelou, Konstantinos Chrysovergis, ANGELAKOS (HELLAS) S.A., GALLIA GRAECA SHIPPING LTD
- Crime: Illegal discharge of oily waste, falsification of records, and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
- Location: Pacific Ocean, near Seattle, Washington
- Date of Offense: October 2015
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1519, 33 U.S.C. 1908(a), 18 U.S.C. 1001, MARPOL Protocol
- Penalty: Tryfon Angelou and Konstantinos Chrysovergis each sentenced to 10 days of incarceration. Shipping companies also faced penalties.
- Investigating Agencies: U.S. Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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