Rio de Janeiro, 26 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Caronio transatlantic cruise ship, belonging to the British Cunard line, received a fine of R$ 1 million (approx. US$ 410,000) on Monday for spilling 30,000 liters of oil into the Rio de Janeiro Port. The vessel, which anchored this past weekend in Rio with 700 passengers aboard, committed an environmental crime when carrying out the illegal operation of washing out the ballast tanks during refueling, according to a report prepared by the State Environmental Engineering Foundation (FEEMA). The state Environment secretary, André Correia, said that the spilling of oil into the Port of Rio was considered of medium proportions, but stressed the importance of issuing a fine quickly, since many times it takes up to 5 years for the culprits to pay. The company that owns the cruise ship has 30 days to appeal the fine. The Caronio was authorized to leave by the Rio Port Authority and left Rio Monday afternoon. (MW)