“Silvana III” oil tanker escapes from anchorage, now wanted by MMEA

The Panama-flagged crude oil carrier Silvana III is now wanted by Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia, also known as Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), due to non-compliance, said the authority on Monday (9 December).

The 291,312 dwt crude oil tanker was earlier spotted by a Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone patrol on Thursday (5 December) at approximately 2.30 pm at 39.5 nautical miles West of Kuala Kurau.

It did not lower the gangway to allow MMEA officers to board for a vessel inspection, and subsequently sailed away from the anchorage and continued to depart from the location.

A check by MMEA with the Malaysia Northern Territory's Navy Department has confirmed the Silvana III did not have permission to anchor in the area.

Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Mohd Sharenliza bin Ghazali, has asked assistance from the Perak and Penang Maritime Authorities to locate and detain the ship if found.

A police report has been made on the grounds of unauthorised offenses under section 491 B (I) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 10 December, 2019