Shipper fined for Elliott Bay oil spill

A Singapore-based shipping company whose ship spilled oil into Elliott Bay last year paid a $27,500 fine to the Washington Department of Ecology, the agency reported Monday.

OSM Ship Management's payment resulted from the spill of an estimated 93 gallons of oil as the fuel was being taken on by the bulk carrier Songa Hua on Feb. 28, 2007. The accident occurred off Pier 91, just south of Magnolia.

Ecology officials said the crew failed to follow proper procedures during fueling, made faulty repairs to a valve, and failed to keep an eye on the valve in its first use after the repair, as well as failing to report the spill as required under state law.

The spill coated shore areas of northern Elliott Bay, and took six days to clean up.