SAN JUAN ISLAND, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The owner of a ship that sank off of San Juan Island nearly two years ago has just received a hefty fine.

The Aleutian Isle, a 58-foot fishing boat, sank in the Haro Strait in August 2022.

The Washington Department of Ecology estimates that the wreck leaked 1,300 to 1,600 gallons of diesel into the water. Just 1/3 of the fuel was collected in clean-up efforts and Ecology has fined boat owner Matthew Johnston $18,000.

Ecology says the penalty is based on Washington’s strict liability policy, regardless of fault. They add that Johnston was cooperative with officials and aided in the cleanup.

Haro Strait is habitat for many species, including the southern resident orca.

Johnston has 30 days to appeal the penalty.