Introduction
On April 8, 2015, the M/V Marathassa (the
"Marathassa") discharged an unknown quantity of
intermediate fuel oil into Vancouver's English Bay. The event
triggered a large-scale response, coordinated under the leadership
of the Canadian Coast Guard, which removed the vast majority of oil
within three days. Shoreline clean-up continued for weeks, and at
least 20 migratory birds were affected.
The Crown brought criminal charges against the vessel owner,
Greece-based Alassia NewShips Management Inc. (the
"Owner") and the vessel itself. In total, the Marathassa
was charged with 10 pollution-related offences. The Owner did not
face trial on any of the charges, as the British Columbia Court of
Appeal ruled it had not been properly served with a summons. In two
decisions in 2018, the British Columbia Provincial Court acquitted
the Marathassa of six of these offences.
