Malaysia: MMEA detains tanker and ferry for alleged STS fuel transfer in Langkawi
- Published
by Admin
The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) of Kedah and Perlis on Friday (9 December) said it has impounded a tanker and a ferry for allegedly attempting to transfer oil illegally via ship-to-ship (STS) transfer in Langkawi waters.
Kedah and Perlis director First Admiral Romli Mustafa said the vessels were detained at the position of 0.9 nautical miles, North of Pulau Dayang Bunting, Langkawi at approximately 7.35 pm on 8 December.
He said the vessels were detained during a routine patrol by maritime boats during Operasi Aman when both the tanker and ferry were found close to each other.
During an inspection, the ship captains failed to present any document of approval to perform any fuel transfer activity or STS transfer.
A captain, five Indonesian crews as well as two Malaysians were found onboard the tanker involved.
The passenger ferry had a captain with seven Malaysian crew onboard, aged 19 to 63, who were detained and taken to the Bukit Malut Maritime Pier for further investigation.
The case will be investigated under Section 491B(1)(I) and Section 491B (1)(K) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for being suspected of carrying out ‘ship to ship’ (STS) activities without the permission of the authorities.
If found guilty, they can be fined not exceeding MYR 100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both.
Photo credit: Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 12 December, 2022
