Exxon gets big bill for spill
2004-01-29 07:19
Anchorage, Alaska - A federal judge on Wednesday ordered Exxon Mobil Corporation to pay about $6.75bn (abut R47bn) in punitive damages and interest to thousands of fishermen and others affected by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.
Exxon Mobil has 30 days to appeal the order by US District Judge Russel Holland, who ordered the Irving, Texas-based company to pay $4.5bn in punitive damages and about $2.25bn in interest.
The money is to go to 32nbsp;000 fishermen, Alaska Natives, landowners, small businessmen and municipalities affected by the 11-million gallon spill in Prince William Sound.
"We have now closed the trial court doors for the last time in this litigation after 15 years," said David Oesting, lead attorney for those who sued. "We're definitely on track to the end of the entire dispute."
Two calls were placed to Exxon Mobil headquarters, but the company offered no immediate comment.
- AP