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Editor: Rod Sullivan
Profession: Maritime Attorney

Category: Marine Construction & Dredging

Anthony Demas, 53, who is owner of a 36-foot boat named "Sea Maids" was kicked out of the Whitley Bay Marina along the Indian River Lagoon after he accidently spilled three gallons of used motor oil into the bilge of his boat, which he says the bilge pump pumped overboard. Demas confessed to authorities, and charges are pending. In addition to being kicked out of the marina, he could be required to pay three times the cost of the cleanup and a fine of up to $32,500.

"I was taking the used oil container out of the engine room and it spilled into the bilge and then the bilge pumped it (out)," he said. "I'm sorry it all happened. It was an accident." Demas also admitted to using an emulsifier to try to break up the oil.