SIMA expresses disappointment on sinking vessel, reminds ship owners

The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) has explained that is the entire responsibility of the ship owner to must maintain and operate his vessel as required by applicable laws as it expresses disappointment that “we have to face another case of vessel sinking and pollution”

Director of SIMA Thierry Nervale made the explanation today following the sinking of MV J. HARMS or formally Kosco last week in Noro, Western Province.

“I would like to just pass the message again that this case is the entire responsibility of the ship owner who must maintain and operate his vessel as required by applicable laws. He is also responsible for the pollution and its consequences, to remove any pollutant presenting a danger to the environment from what is now a wreck and remove the wreck,” said Nervale.

In this case, he confirmed that the owner of the ship has been notified of this on the first day.

Meanwhile Nervale told the media in a statement that an inspection-assessment team is still in Noro sending information about the pollution caused by the sinking of MV J. HARMS.

He confirmed that there is light oil leaking from the sunken vessel coming to the surface by bubbles probably oily substances from the engine room.

Nervale adds inspection of surroundings and along the coast have not revealed pollution by oil.

“From the information declared by the ship owner, there was no fuel oil left on board as the vessel was not in operation but there may be numerous empty drums left on board that we need to confirm,” he said.

“I have to say that I am again extremely disappointed that we have to face another case of vessel sinking and pollution while we keep reminding ship owners’ responsibility of their vessel’s maintenance and operations,” said Nervale.