Back to Headlines Print Version Buzz Up Stumble it Tweet it Facebook LinkedIn

Dubai Star Tanker Owners Reject US Fishermen Oil Spill Charges

DUBAI (Zawya Dow Jones)--The owners of the Dubai Star, the crude tanker that caused an oil spill in the San Francisco bay area, have rejected a lawsuit brought against them by U.S. fishermen and the owner of a local food processing company, the tanker's technical manager, Pioneer Ship Management Services, said Wednesday.

"The owners of Dubai Star have reviewed the lawsuit and believe that it is without merit," Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based Pioneer Ship Management said in an emailed statement to Zawya Dow Jones.

The Dubai Star is owned by South Harmony Shipping Inc. of Panama.

Dubai-based Emirates Business daily earlier Wednesday reported that the lawsuit, worth $10 million, was filed by crab fisherman Mark Russo, herring fisherman Ron Alioti and Next Seafood Co. owner Russell Robinette in a bid to seek compensation for alleged business losses after fish prices and sales dropped over people's contamination concerns.

Pioneer Ship Management said surveys by the U.S. Coast Guard, state and local agencies as well as spill response organizations confirmed that the oil spill was contained south of Oakland Bay bridge. The tanker has valid protection and indemnity cover, the company added.

"No commercial fishery has been closed as a result of the spill, and the owners do not expect any impact on the commercial crab fishery when it opens later this month," Pioneer Ship Management said.

"After explaining its position to the plaintiffs' attorney we can confirm that he did not disagree and has offered to stay the lawsuit for up to 90 days to allow time for him to determine if his clients have sustained any damages," the company said.

The class action was filed in the San Francisco Federal Court.

-By Tahani Karrar-Lewsley, Dow Jones Newswires, +9714 364 4965 Tahani.Karrar@ dowjones.com

Copyright (c) 2009 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

  (END) Dow Jones Newswires
  11-04-090842ET