Malaysia: MMEA arrests oil tanker “Nissos Tinos” for alleged illegal anchoring

The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Wednesday (15 September) said it has arrested a Marshall Islands-registered oil tanker for allegedly anchoring without permission and failing to inform authorities upon arrival. 

The oil tanker was spotted 27.5 nautical miles southwest of Sekinchan at around 4.30 pm on Tuesday.

Selangor State Maritime Director, Captain Mohd Rosli bin Kassim, said the Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA) detected the Nissos Tinos; authorities subsequently informed a MMEA patrol boat to approach the vessel for further inspection. 

Initial investigations found, the oil tanker to be bound for Singapore and was waiting for further instructions from its shipmanagers when MMEA approached. 

Further investigations found the Captain failin to submit supporting documents from the Director of the Malaysian Sea for permission to anchor within the country’s waters.

As such, an arrest order has been issued for the vessel and two of its crew were brought to the Selangor State maritime headquarters for further investigation.

Individuals are liable to charges under Section 491B (1)(l) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952. If found guilty, parties face a fine not exceeding RM 100,000 or an imprisonment term for not more than two years, or both.

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency will continue to implement enforcement in the country’s waters and advises shipowners to ask for permission from the Malaysian Sea Department before anchoring and to follow rules and regulations during activities in Malaysian waters.

A series of earlier MMEA detentions in 2021 have been reported by bunkering publication Manifold Times (below):

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Photo credit: MMEA
Published: 16 September, 2021