Following a federal court ruling, the estate of tugboat captain Christian Lint is held liable for a $14 million oil spill cleanup off Marin County. Lint's estate contested the ruling, arguing that the vessel owners should bear the responsibility under maritime law. However, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Zilly determined that Lint, as the operator of the tugboat at the time, falls under the definitions provided by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. This landmark ruling has raised concerns about increased liability for maritime professionals and their roles in vessel operations.
U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Zilly ruled that the term 'operator' includes individuals directing vessel movement, making tugboat captain Christian Lint liable for the oil spill cleanup.
Robert Stewart Lint II, estate administrator, argued the ruling exposes captains and crews to unprecedented liability, resembling a troubling precedent that could impact maritime professionals.
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