All News Releases By Date

TWO PHILLIPPINE MEN CHARGED WITH CLEAN WATER ACT VIOLATIONS

Release Date: 05/18/2000
Contact Information:

FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2000

TWO PHILLIPPINE MEN CHARGED WITH CLEAN WATER ACT VIOLATIONS

On May 10, Danilo C. Cardozo and John C. Buendia, both of the Phillippines, were indicted on charges that they violated the Clean Water Act by causing the discharge of 24,000 gallons of fuel oil from the cargo ship Star Evviva. Cardozo was Captain of the Star Evviva and Buendia was Chief Engineer. The release, which occurred Jan.13 and 14, was the largest offshore oil spill in the history of South Carolina. Because more than 170 loons were killed as a result of the spill, the defendants have also been charged with violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The indictment also charges both men with conspiracy to tamper with a witness and to make false statements to federal law enforcement officers. The indictment alleges that Cardozo and Buendia falsely told the Coast Guard that the Second Engineer was on watch in the engine room when the oil spilled and also allegedly ordered the Second Engineer to verify this story. Both men allegedly knew that the alarm system in the engine control room was broken, and that the engine room needed to be manned 24 hours a day to prevent oil spills. Despite this, the defendants allegedly allowed the crew to operate an unmanned engine room at night. On the days in question, the fuel transfer system on the ship malfunctioned and oil was pumped on deck and into the sea. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, the U. S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charleston, S.C.

R-73 ###