The US Coast Guard is pursuing enforcement action against Bouchard Transportation Company after the shipping company failed to comply with a captain of the port order for one of its two vessels anchored in the Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, Texas.
The tugs, Kim M. Bouchard and Danielle M. Bouchard, and their associated barges have been anchored off Texas Point since mid-December with no known plans to move.
Main concerns are in regard to the remaining crews onboard who are unpaid since January, as well as environmental concerns for the region, USCG noted.
In accordance with the current captain of the port order, maximum civil penalties for the company may include fines of $94,219 for each violation and a class D felony punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.
Capt. Jacqueline Twomey, captain of the port of Port Arthur, issued captain of the port orders to both vessels, on 10 February, to resolve problems regarding staffing and safety.
Danielle M. Bouchard’s order was amended to require additional repairs or to be moored at a dock.
Twomey granted a 3-day extension to the order for the Danielle M. Bouchard at the company’s request, but the company failed to comply by the extended deadline of Sunday. She denied a second extension request.
Multiple Coast Guard men and women are in daily contact with crews remaining aboard both vessels to ensure they are safe and have adequate provisions.
Combined, the tugs and barges are carrying nearly 200,000 gallons of oil, gas and other potential pollutants.
The Coast Guard expects vessel owners to proactively manage the safety of their vessels and ensure operators have sufficient resources to maintain compliance with applicable requirements, and it is our responsibility to the public, professional mariners, and the marine transportation system to hold companies accountable when safety demands it,
…said Twomey.
Earlier in February, the USCG Captain of the Port of New York and New Jersey ordered the Bouchard Transportation Company to move three tug and fuel barge units which are anchored in the Harbor, for the safety of those navigating there.
