The penalty follows an extensive regulatory inquiry into a November 2024 pollution incident in Sinclair Inlet that produced a visible surface sheen lasting more than a week.
Recognizing the immediate hazard, the marina employee provided Hayes with specific technical guidance on arranging safe pumping and disposal services, handing over direct contact information for certified commercial environmental contractors equipped to handle contaminated fuel.
Regulators documented that Hayes gave contradictory accounts regarding when he first became aware that fuel was escaping his vessel, misstated previous hull and machinery maintenance histories, and offered misleading descriptions of his maritime operating experience.
A river otter was also observed foraging along dock pilings coated in fuel residue.
Direct Financial Fallout for Bremerton Waterfront Operations The incident places a renewed spotlight on the operational vulnerabilities faced by public marina facilities throughout Puget Sound.
State regulators levied $357,326 in total penalties and response costs against the owner of the 38-foot pleasure craft Nautilus for pumping 123 gallons of diesel into Bremerton Marina.