The master of the APL England, which lost around 50 boxes overboard off the coast of Australia, appeared at the Wynumm Magistrates court in Queensland yesterday charged with a failure to protect the environment, the charges carry maximum penalties of over A$300,000 (US$205,000).
According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) the master faces two charges, the first under Section 26F of the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 – Discharging of garbage into the sea contrary to the Act and under Section 141 of the Navigation Act 2012 – Master did not ensure that the vessel was operated in a manner that did not cause
-
- pollution to the marine environment in the coastal sea of Australia or the exclusive economic zone of Australia and
- damage to the marine environment in the coastal sea of Australia or the exclusive economic zone of Australia.
The case has been adjourned until 12 June when the hearing will move to Brisbane Magistrates Court.
AMSA added, “APL England remains under detention in the Port of Brisbane and will not be released until its serious deficiencies have been rectified. The unloading of the damaged containers has started and is expected to take several days to complete.”
