KAREN KOBY

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Coast Guard investigation found no spill from tug in Panama

An independent investigation and analysis of oil samples has concluded by the US Coast Guard has refuted the contention of the Panamanian Maritime Authority that the'Karen Koby' was responsible for an alleged oil spill in 2021 that affected a coastal mangrove area. The Panama court has not yet made a final ruling in the case. The case originated with the events of Nov 16, 2021, when the tug, towing the empty oil barge 'Logicon 412' was alleged to have spilled some oil in the area of Panama Bahía Las Minas, Cativa, Colon, near some coastal mangrove swamps. The Panama Maritime Authority detained the vessel for nearly six months and obtained statements from crewmembers and witnesses. The AMP claimed to have conducted a preliminary investigation and sampled the oil spilled, alleging that the spill came from the Logicon 412. The 'Karen Koby' was released in February 2022 and continues to operate. The barge owners, who are Colombian, were never charged in connection with the alleged spill. The Karen Koby was delivering the barge to Colombia when the alleged spill occurred. Full report: https://www.waterwaysjournal.net/2023/03/22/coast-guard-investigation-finds-no-spill-from-american-towboat-in-panama/