The Gannet-Bulker: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

Eagle Ship Management LLC, located in Stamford, Connecticut, has pleaded guilty to charges of willfully polluting U.S. waters in connection with its vessel, the 'Gannet Bulker'. The guilty plea came on July 13, 2025, following accusations of the intentional disposal of oily waste off the coast of New Orleans in 2021. If the sentencing proceeds as anticipated, the firm may incur a hefty penalty of $1.75 million, in addition to a four-year probation period, which will include audits conducted by an independent expert. The situation came to light after an investigation initiated by the U.S. Coast Guard was sparked by a social media post from a crew member aboard the 'Gannet Bulker' on March 14, 2021. The crew member reported that the engine room had experienced flooding, and oil-laden water was being discharged overboard during the night. At that time, the ship was anchored near Southwest Pass of the Port of New Orleans, strategically located at the mouth of the Mississippi River. The discharge of oily waste was significant, totaling approximately 39 cubic meters, and was carried out without utilizing necessary pollution prevention measures or maintaining proper records. In a separate legal proceeding, the chief engineer was prosecuted and sentenced to serve one year and one day behind bars for his involvement in the oil discharge and obstructing justice. As part of its plea, Eagle Ship Management acknowledged that the crew engaged in several obstructive behaviors, including retaliatory actions against the whistleblower, misleading statements made to the Coast Guard, and the destruction of critical evidence such as records from the engine control room. Furthermore, senior ship officers fabricated and backdated personnel evaluations aimed at undermining the credibility of the whistleblower. The sentencing for Eagle Ship Management is set for October 16, 2025.