The Syrian master of the wrecked OS 35 bulk carrier could face two years in jail, after pleading guilty at a court in Gibraltar this week. Sentencing is due in the middle of June.
The ship came into contact with LNG carrier Adam LNG while manoeuvring to exit the port of Gibraltar on August 29 last year. The aft of the ship grounded, and a gash opened up on the starboard of the hull and in the following weeks the ship lost its structural integrity. Tricky salvage operations to remove the wreck are ongoing.
The captain of the OS 35 pleaded guilty to three charges related to the operation of the vessel. His lawyer said he will seek a suspended jail sentence and fine, saying the accident was a “professional misjudgement” and that wind and tides played a part.
