Admiralty Lawyer

Federal prosecutors have filed charges against the pilot of a ship which spilled some 53,000 gallons of oil into San Francisco Bay in November of last year, killing an estimated 2,000 birds, including endangered and threatened species.

Captain John Cota faces up to 18 months in prison and a $100,000 fine if convicted of criminal negligence and breaking federal environmental laws. According to the suit, Cota failed to adequately use the ship’s radar to navigate, failed to review the planned course with the captain, and failed to utilize other navigational aids to prevent an accident. Cota disputes the charges.

For an experienced admiralty lawyer, call the Williams Kherkher law firm at 866-950-9000.