9th June 2022. The volunteer watchkeepers of the National Coastwatch Institution aren't only concerned with the safety of water users on the sea, they also look out for the environment too.

 After observing what appeared to be a prolonged discharge of fluid from the mid-starboard side of a passing tanker, the team at NCI Cape Cornwall contacted HM Coastguard at Falmouth to report what they were seeing. Falmouth Coastguard contacted the vessel regarding this and the vessel replied that they were testing their ballast pumps.

 Falmouth Coastguard contacted the NCI Cape Cornwall watchkeepers to say they were not happy with the vessels response and that they would investigate further. They also asked the watchkeepers to keep a watchful eye on the tanker which continued to discharge fluid.

The Coastguard will be investigating the legality of the discharge and will, if necessary, issue a fine to the ships operator.