The chief engineer of a Greek oil ship has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to unlawfully discharging chemicals into the water off the coast of New Jersey.
Konstantinos Atsalis, 57, the chief engineer of the Motor Tanker Kriti Ruby vessel, was accused of discharging oily waste into the waters near a petroleum terminal in the Sewaren section of Woodbridge. Federal prosecutors also alleged he conspired with another engineer, 54-year-old Sonny Bosito, to falsify records in an attempt to cover up unlawful release of the chemicals.
Atsalis, a Greek national, pleaded guilty in Newark federal court this week to two counts of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. Bosito pleaded guilty to one count of the same charge.
The Motor Tanker Kriti Ruby, which is owned by a Greek shipping company, transported petroleum products to ports in the United States, Europe and Africa. The vessel, which measured 29,832 gross tons, was registered in Greece.
As the ship’s chief engineer, Atsalis was in charge of the engine department.
In September 2022, Atsalis instructed lower-level engine crew members to discharge the contents of the vessel’s Sewage Holding Tank overboard without the proper equipment, according to federal authorities.
The tank’s contents were discharged into the sea about 12 miles off the coast of New Jersey, according to court documents.
Inspectors with the U.S. Coast Guard later reviewed the ship’s oil record book and determined that Atsalis and Bosito falsified records to try to cover up the unlawful dumping, officials said.
Both men will be sentenced on Oct. 24.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
Read More:Oil tanker engineer admits illegally dumping chemicals off N.J. coast
2024-05-07 21:55:00
