New Zealand fishing company Sanford has obtained the release of its tuna boat impounded in American Samoa after posting a USD 1 million bond with U.S. authorities.
The San Nikunau has been in U.S. custody in Pago Pago since July, when it was detained over allegations it discharged oily bilge waste into the sea and then presented false documents to American Samoan authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Last week, seven charges were laid in Washington, D.C., relating to the allegations against Sanford.
The company said today the bond was security for any adjudicated potential fines or penalties for the offences for which Sanford has been indicted. It had also agreed to make crew available as witnesses in hearings on the charges.
