The measure, ordered by the Maritime Authority on July 31st, aims to ensure compliance with regulations in port waters and protect the marine environment. The Fiscal and Border Patrol of Fuerteventura observed the spill during a routine inspection.
Officers identified the crew, a couple of foreign origin, who explained it was wastewater from the washing machine, describing it as an "ecological product". However, they were informed that discharging any type of liquid in port waters without authorization is prohibited.
Although the couple admitted to having manually discharged the water on other occasions, they justified the action as a "more convenient" method that they believed did not harm the environment. Given the inability to verify the nature of the liquid and the potential risk, the case was transferred to the Maritime Authority.
The Maritime Authority ordered the precautionary sealing of the vessel, considering the actions could constitute a serious infraction. The boat has been immobilized until the administrative sanctioning process is resolved, and to lift the seal, the owners must provide a guarantee of 6,000 euros.
This provisional measure is adopted to prevent the vessel, flying a foreign flag, from sailing away and complicating the collection of potential liabilities.
