Detained Freighter Free to Leave Great Lakes
A Liberian-flagged freighter detained for about six weeks on the port of Duluth-Superior amid an investigation into environmental crimes has been cleared to go away Lake Superior.
The U.S. Coast Guard stated it reached an settlement on Tuesday with the German proprietor and operator of the MV Cornelia permitting the vessel to depart the Great Lakes area earlier than the winter lock closures.
The 175-meter bulk service has been held in Duluth, Minnesota since early November as investigators probe allegations involving violations associated to the discharge of oily water. The Coast Guard has not offered many particulars on the investigation to date, however has stated it doesn’t seem that the discharge occurred throughout the port of Duluth – Superior.
“The Coast Guard and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota take any allegations involving environmental pollution very seriously,” the Coast Guard stated in an replace this week. “At the same time, both agencies recognize the importance of the flow of commerce through the port of Duluth – Superior and are making every effort to ensure all vessels transit our waters safely and responsibly.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota accepted the case for felony investigation November 9, 2015.
The Coast Guard stated that all through the detention, personnel have been persevering with to verify in with the grasp of the Cornelia to substantiate that the crew has enough meals, water and different requirements.