launch a prosecution against a cruise ship's operators over alleged pollution.

Last month the Marine Police were called to Dockyard after reports that soot from the Meridian had coated boats and was lying like oil in the water.

Pollution tests taken in the area by the Environment Ministry also showed that levels of sulphur dioxide emitted from the ship's stack exceeded Bermuda's limits by up to three times.

This week, Police spokesman, Sergeant Chris Wilcox, said: "A file has been completed and has been sent to the prosecution department for a decision to be made on a possible prosecution.'' Any prosecution would be launched against the ship's Master and the local agents, Meyer Agencies.

The Meridian arrived as normal this week, but she will burn new fuel with a lower sulphur content to try and cut down on emissions of soot while in port.

In addition, boilers shut down while she is berthed will be restarted at sea.

In the past they were ignited while the ship was in Dockyard meaning soot would be blown across the area.