In early October 2015, a ship, The Haidar, carrying approximately 5,000 cattle sank in the port of Vila do Conde, situated in the Para River, Brazil, close to the Atlantic Ocean. Approximately 700,000 litres of marine diesel were spilled, causing widespread water pollution and environmental damage. Among the consequences for the region’s riverside population are: polluted water, damage to health, interrupted fishing and damage to marine life.
Shortly after the Haidar disaster, the Brazilian Government made demands for the company responsible, Minereva S.A (whose controlling shareholder is the UK based company Salic UK) to present a plan of action to remove the organic and oil pollution released from the ship. They were also instructed to remove the cattle carcasses trapped inside the ship, as well as those that had washed up on the neighbouring beaches or remained within the port.
Despite this, no plan was made, and no proper remedial steps were taken. It was not until July 2022 that the Haidar ship was removed from its berth, meaning pollution continued to be released into the environment for all this time.
In failing to take prompt and effective action, those responsible failed in their corporate and environmental responsibilities.
In December 2020, Pogust Goodhead filed a lawsuit in England against Salic (UK) Limited, the current parent company of Minerva S.A.. Salic (UK), as Minerva’s main shareholder (the sole owner of the cattle), is accused of being responsible for the damage caused by the shipwreck and for failing to take adequate corrective measures.
Pogust Goodhead represents around 18,000 affected people who are seeking full and fair compensation.
The Defendants challenged the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. However, in October 2023, the parties agreed to suspend the action until February 2025, with the aim of resolving the case by way of settlement or alternative dispute resolution. With the expiry of the deadline, the lawsuit resumed. A case management hearing is scheduled for 17 November 2025 to set a trial date for Salic’s liability.
