South Coast fishermen charged over alleged deliberate scuttling of trawler
The Maria Louise K was found on the ocean floor. (Supplied: DCCEEW)
In short:
Two Ulladulla fishermen have been charged over the alleged illegal sinking of the Maria Louise K, later found on the seabed north-east of the port.
They face penalties under federal sea-dumping laws after investigators uncovered video of the vessel's alleged scuttling.
What's next?
The case returns to court next year.
Two commercial fishermen from Ulladulla on the New South Wales South Coast have been charged with the alleged deliberate scuttling of the fishing vessel Maria Louise K (MLK).
Mark McDermott, 55, and his son, Marcus Clem McDermott, 28, were charged with one count each of dumping a vessel into Australian waters.
The offence falls under the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981, under which it is prohibited to dump a vessel into Australian waters without a permit.
The matter was mentioned briefly in Nowra Local Court on Monday.
Neither man was required to appear.
Maria Louise K at Ulladulla Harbour before it sank. (Supplied: DCCEEW)
Authorities respond to information
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said the 16 metre vessel, built in 1970 and previously operated as a commercial trawler in Western and South Australia, was purchased by the father and son in 2020.
DCCEEW said a prior NSW Maritime inspection of the MLK while berthed at Ulladulla Harbour found the vessel unseaworthy.
The Maria Louise K prior to its alleged sinking. (Supplied: DCCEEW)
DCCEEW began investigating a referral from the Australian Maritime Authority after information from a member of the public.
With support from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, investigators found the MLK 5.8 nautical miles north-east of Ulladulla Port, resting on the ocean floor at a depth of 80–90 metres.
The MLK was located 5.8 nautical miles north-east of Ulladulla Port. (Supplied: DCCEEW)
The department alleges it discovered circulated video footage of the vessel being scuttled.
Court documents suggest the boat was sunk on or about January 24, 2023.
Two men have been charged with allegedly dumping the vessel. (Supplied: DCCEEW)
The matter will return to court in March.