Samsung, HK Tanker Indicted for Oil Spill
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Prosecutors indicted both Samsung Heavy Industries and Hong Kong-registered Hebei Spirit Shipping Monday over the nation's worst oil spill in seas off Taean, South Chungcheong Province.
The prosecutors' office in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, indicted both companies and two captains from barges owned by Samsung on charges of violating the maritime pollution prevention law.
Three other people from the oil tanker were also indicted without physical detention. One Samsung captain was held responsible for operating his ship in bad weather and failing to take preventive measures such as anchoring the ship in a safe harbor. The other captain was accused of fabricating navigation records to cover up his wrongdoing.
Officers of the Hebei Spirit were alleged to have neglected safety orders from the navigation authorities.
The investigators found evidence that the Heibei Spirit's oil tanker was warned in advance of the possible danger but was unable to move to avoid the collision. It has also secured evidence showing the Samsung barge caused the collision.
Prosecutors fell short of disclosing how much the two companies share the responsibility, signaling a protracted legal battle over damages.
Whether either Samsung or the Hong Kong-registered shipping firm will be charged with gross negligence is a hot issue. If charged, each must take ``unlimited responsibility'' for the tragedy that caused billions of won's worth of damage to both residents and the marine eco-system.
Compensation for the residents of six fishing towns is also drawing attention. As of Monday, three people had committed suicide in frustration over the plight of their livelihood.
Insurers have yet to compensate residents in the area as an investigation is still under way.
It remains to be seen when and to what extent the insurers will provide compensation. Assuranceforeningen Skuld is the insurer of the Hong Kong-registered supertanker.
Lawmakers have proposed a bill to support the victims by giving out the subsidies first and then collecting the money from the offenders later.
The central government, which has been under fire for poor compensation procedures, has started to share out $59 million, including some from private donations.
On Dec. 7 2007, about 10,500 tons of crude oil were spilled in seas off Taean after a Samsung owned barge collided with the anchored Heibei Spirit oil tanker carrying Hyundai Oil Bank oil in bad weather. The spill almost destroyed the ecologically pristine region as well as damaging the southwestern coastline. It also ruined about 500 abalone and oyster farms.
Samsung Heavy Industries plans to make a public apology today for causing concern and damage to the people with the oil spill.
However, its spokesman said the relevant law puts the initial responsibility on the oil tanker and the company has yet to hold talks about future compensation.