Dion Foulkes, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Labour announced today that the Government will make a $1 million dollar ex gratia payment to the victims of the 2003 collision between the motor vessels Sea Hauler and United Star.

A comprehensive multi agency investigation was conducted and as a result of the committee’s findings the Government agreed to make an ex gratia payment since there was no finding of any wrong doing by any agency of the government, Minister Foulkes said.

The Office of the Attorney General is determining the specific amounts to be offered to each victim. It is anticipated that the process will be finalized within one week, stated Minister Foulkes.