What Crew Members Say About Helium-Gas

In a significant development concerning maritime pollution, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced the charging of another crew member from the Italian tanker Marigola on Wednesday. The accused, chief engineer Carmelo Giano, faces allegations related to violations of pollution laws enforced on the high seas, which were brought to light by the Coast Guard at Port Tampa Bay. This follows recent charges against the ship's owner, Carbofin S.P.A., as well as second assistant engineer Alessandro Messore. In a plea deal filed earlier this week, Carbofin acknowledged the failure to maintain accurate oil records, a serious violation under federal maritime pollution regulations, and has consented to a substantial fine of $2.75 million. Both Giano and Messore are facing individual charges for the same infringement, which could lead to penalties of up to six years in prison. The representative for Carbofin asserted that there have been no actual discharges of pollutants within U.S. waters. Court records indicate that the Marigola, along with two other Carbofin vessels—Marola and Solaro—has made 73 visits to Tampa's port since 2012, further raising concerns regarding compliance with environmental laws.