January 21, 2008

Indictments in Korea oil spill

Indictments are ahead in the pollution case resulting from the December spill of 12,000 tons of crude oil into Korean waters.

The spill occurred when a Samsung Heavy Industries barge that broke away from its tugs struck a Hong Kong-registered oil tanker, Hebei Spirit.

The Korea Herals says the five people to be held legally responsible for the accident are the captain of the 11,800-ton barge, the captains of the two tugboats, and the captain and the navigator of the Hebei Spirit.

Samsung Heavy Industries Co., the owner of the barge, and Hebei Spirit Shipping Co., will also be held responsible for the accident.