The dispute concerns the grounding of the tank vessel T/V Margara in Puerto Rican waters, an incident that posed a significant risk of oil spillage and damage to coral reefs and related marine resources. The United States, acting on behalf of the Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, filed suit under the Oil Pollution Act in December 2021, seeking to recover damages already paid from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund as well as the costs of restoring the injured reefs. Ernst Jacob’s name was placed with her insurer, the Shipowners Insurance and Guaranty Company, known as SIGCo. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources joined the case as an intervener in late 2022, asserting claims under federal and local environmental laws.
Marine insurer SIGCO and ship owner settle coral reef damage case for $17 million & more related News Here
