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| News Release |
Date: Aug. 8, 2007
Contact: Cmdr. Carlos Torres |
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Coast Guard Detains Cargo Vessel at Port of San Juan SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Coast Guard Sector San Juan, issued a detention order to the 333-foot Panamanian cargo vessel Sunshine Spirit Tuesday, restricting the vessel from operating until conditions of the order are met. A Coast Guard Port State Control Team from Sector San Juan conducted a random examination of the Sunshine Spirit Tuesday and discovered the vessel's crew was unable to operate the ship's oily water separator (OWS). The OWS, required by U.S. and international regulations, is part of a ship's pollution prevention system and plays and important role in the protection of the environment. "The Coast Guard is committed to upholding regulations that protect the marine environment," said Cmdr. Carlos A. Torres, chief of prevention operations at Sector San Juan. "The environmental risk posed by the crew's inability to properly operate the oily water separator was too great, and our team took the necessary steps to reduce that risk." Sunshine Spirit has been ordered to cease all operations until the documentation and proper operation of the OWS can be verified. Sector San Juan inspectors are working closely with the Sunshine Spirit's owner to ensure the vessel is restricted from commercial operation for the minimum time necessary.
Saving lives since 1790 -- the United States Coast Guard |
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