Share
- Release Date: 16/08/12 11:36
- Summary: GENERAL: SAN: Sanford Limited- Continuous Disclosure
- Price Sensitive: No
- Download Document 2.17KB
SAN
16/08/2012 09:36
GENERAL
REL: 0936 HRS Sanford Limited
GENERAL: SAN: Sanford Limited- Continuous Disclosure
SANFORD LIMITED
SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD
16 August 2012
CONTINUOUS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Jury Returns Verdict in San Nikunau Trial
Sanford Limited was today found guilty on the basis of vicarious liability
of six of seven counts for the failure of certain engine room crew members
to properly maintain the vessel's oil record book in connection with the
management of oily wastes aboard the vessel and the obstruction of port state
control inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard. The case involved the company's
Tuna fishing vessel, F/V San Nikunau and was brought by the U.S. Attorney's
Office for the District of Columbia and by the Environmental Crimes Section
of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of
Justice.
The guilty verdicts were returned by a jury in the US Federal District Court
in Washington DC following a two week trial. The case stemmed from a U.S.
Coast Guard investigation that commenced in American Samoa in July 2011. The
charges were filed in January 2012 and involved conspiracy, false record
keeping in respect to oil waste management on the San Nikunau on the high
seas, and one count involving a discharge in Pago Pago, American Samoa.
Each count carries a maximum penalty of US$500,000. Sentencing has been set
down for November 16 2012.
The company was found not guilty of one obstruction of justice charge.
During the trial the US Government withdrew a forfeiture claim against
Sanford for the US$24m proceeds from the fish catch covering the period of
the allegations.
Michael Chalos from the New York based law firm of Chalos O'Connor LLP and
Gregory Linsin from the Washington D.C law firm of Blank Rome LLP represented
Sanford Limited in the federal court action.
Sanford Managing Director Eric Barratt said from Washington that the decision
was naturally disappointing but the case highlights the need to work
diligently to properly maintain the required logs and records regarding the
management of oily wastes aboard vessels.
-ENDS-
E F Barratt
MANAGING DIRECTOR
End CA:00226019 For:SAN Type:GENERAL Time:2012-08-16 09:36:51
