Sustainable Seafood

Sanford Limited

Sustainable Seafood

30 July 2012

News Release Sanford Limited to Defend Charges in San Nikunau Trial

Representatives from Sanford Limited, including Managing Director Eric Barratt, are in the US to give testimony in the Federal Court in Washington D.C in the case brought by the by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and by the Environmental Crimes Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. During the trial, which begins on Monday 30 July and is estimated to run for two weeks, Sanford Limited will vigorously defend the seven charges which include alleged failure to maintain an accurate oil record book conspiracy to present an inaccurate record book to US authorities and obstruction during the investigation.

The case stems from a U.S. Coast Guard investigation involving the F/V San Nikunau that commenced in American Samoa in July 2011. Criminal charges were filed in January 2012 alleging that Sanford Limited was vicariously liable for the failure of certain engine room crew members to properly maintain the vessel’s oil record book in connection with the management of oily wastes aboard the vessel. The indictment also charges Sanford Limited with vicarious liability for the alleged obstruction of the U.S. Coast Guard investigation by one of the vessel’s crew.

The New York based law firm of Chalos O’Connor LLP and the Washington D.C based law firm of Blank Rome LLP will be representing Sanford Limited in the federal court action. Sanford Limited is unable to make further comment while the case is before the courts.

ENDS

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