The competent authority has ordered the vessel's seizure to ensure compliance with port environmental regulations. The measure was adopted by the Maritime Authority following a routine inspection by the Fiscal and Border Patrol of the Civil Guard.
Officers observed the liquid being expelled and, upon questioning the crew, a foreign couple, they stated it was wastewater from the washing machine and that both the liquid and the boat were "100% ecological".
Despite the crew's claims, officers informed them of the prohibition against discharging any liquid in port waters without authorization. The owners admitted to knowing the regulations but justified the action as a "more convenient" method for evacuating water, believing it caused no environmental harm.
Given the inability to verify the nature of the discharge and the potential risk, the Maritime Authority ordered the provisional seizure of the vessel, considering the events as a possible serious infraction according to the Consolidated Text of the State Ports and Merchant Marine Law.
The vessel will remain immobilized until the sanctioning administrative file is resolved. To lift the seizure, the owners must provide a guarantee of 6,000 euros, thus ensuring the collection of potential liabilities, especially given the possibility of the boat sailing to its country of origin due to its foreign flag.
