Port Authority of the Cayman Islands Issues Statement on Abandoned and Derelict Vessels
The Port Authority of the Cayman Islands (PACI), in consultation with the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI) and the Department of Environment (DoE), is advising the public, in particular vessel owners of (a.) abandoned vessels, which are “wrecks” and have already sunk, and (b.) derelict vessels in imminent threat of sinking, in the waters of the Cayman Islands, that under the Public Health Law (2002 Revision), Section 7.(2)(v), these vessels are now considered a statutory public nuisance. Several of these vessel owners have been identified and will be served with an Abatement Notice to execute and complete the works necessary for that purpose, within a defined timeframe. This notice will be issued by The Chief Environmental Health Officer, and failure to comply with any of the requisitions of the notice within the time and date specified, may result in being found guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of five hundred dollars for each offence and to a further fine of fifty dollars for each day during which the offence is continued after the date specified in the notice.
In light of the derelict vessels already being scuttled, the public is reminded that disposing of a vessel by intentionally sinking it offshore requires a permit from DoE to ensure that toxic substances are removed and the location is approved.
Insurance cover is required for all vessels to cover against wreck removal expenses and third party liabilities under the Merchant Shipping Law.
