Sweden has fined the captain of a bulk carrier for polluting the Baltic Sea with coal

The captain of the Hui Yuan pleaded guilty to violating environmental laws due to negligence after a coast guard aircraft observed the ship dumping coal residue into the water. 

SVT reported this, noting that the incident occurred near the town of Ystad. 

Håkan Andersson, prosecutor for the National Environmental Unit, imposed a penalty of 50 daily fines totaling 25,000 kronor. The Panama-flagged bulk carrier was en route from Russia to Las Palmas, Spain, but was detained for investigative proceedings. The Swedish Coast Guard emphasized that pollution of its economic zone is unacceptable, as it harms the environment in the long term. After posting bail, the vessel was able to continue its voyage on Sunday afternoon. Swedish authorities confirmed their intention to continue responding firmly to any environmental crimes at sea to maintain order and safety.

While patrolling the Baltic Sea, a Swedish Coast Guard aircraft spotted the bulk carrier “Hui Yuan,” which, according to preliminary data, was discharging coal waste. The Panamanian-flagged vessel had recently arrived from Russia and was heading to the Spanish port of Las Palmas.

Earlier, Sweden detained a sanctioned tanker due to an oil spill.

The U.S. military intercepted another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, continuing its campaign to pressure vessels involved in oil shipments that circumvent U.S. sanctions against Venezuela.