Russian Oil Tanker Held Hostage Over Massive £25k Safety Fine
The captain of a Russian oil tanker has been slammed with a hefty £25,761.99 fine for serious safety breaches, resulting in the vessel being held hostage at Humber Port. Captain Vitaliy Trofimov pleaded guilty at Hull Magistrates Court today (14 June 2018) to flouting the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, risking the lives of his crew and the environment.
Captain’s Safety Shambles Lands Tanker in Hot Water
The 85-metre Russian-registered tanker TECOIL POLARIS arrived from Finland on 5 June carrying 1,665 tonnes of lubrication oil. But Humber Port Authority quickly flagged concerns over the captain and crew’s competence as the ship docked at Immingham Docks.
An inspection the following morning exposed a shocking catalogue of failings:
- No correct navigation charts or proper voyage plan
- Faulty navigation equipment
- Incorrect stability calculations
- Defective lifesaving gear
- Overall serious non-compliance with the ISM Code
As a result, inspectors detained the vessel and cancelled its safety certificate.
‘High Culpability’ – Judge Slams Captain
Captain Trofimov admitted the blatant safety breaches during questioning by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s Investigation & Enforcement Unit. He was fined £1,400 with a whopping £24,361.99 in costs.
“Many of the failures were down to yourself. You are responsible for everyone onboard and those on the high seas, that is why this is high culpability,”
– District Judge
MCA Issues Stark Warning on Safety Negligence
MCA Lead Investigator Mark Flavell blasted the captain’s “complete disregard” for safety in a potentially disastrous voyage. He warned:
“The intention was for this vessel to carry 1,665 tons of oil to Finland, which could have had disastrous human and environmental consequences. There is no room for complacency where safety is concerned.”
The TECOIL POLARIS will remain detained until all fines and costs are paid in full. This case sends a clear message: safety failures at sea will not be tolerated.
