Two Coast Guard technicians testified on Monday that they did not warn the Exxon Valdez that it had disappeared from radar until the tanker ran aground on March 24, while detouring around ice in the treacherous Prince William Sound. Another loaded tanker had taken a similar detour around ice four hours earlier without any problems. The testimony came as BP and federal officials continued to negotiate with Alaska over how much oil is leaking into the sea through its ruptured well. Defense lawyers are emphasizing this testimony in the trial of the Valdez's captain. The captain faces up to 7 years and 3 months in jail and a $61,000 fine.
Two Coast Guard technicians testified on Monday that they did not warn the Exxon Valdez that it had disappeared from radar until the tanker ran aground on March 24, while detouring around ice in the treacherous Prince William Sound. Another loaded tanker had taken a similar detour around ice four hours earlier without any problems. The technicians also admitted that the radar was less than reliable. Defense lawyers are emphasizing this testimony in the trial of the Valdez's captain. The captain faces up to 7 years and 3 months in jail and a $61,000 fine.