Malaysia: MMEA detains Panama-registered cargo ship over alleged anchoring violation

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Tuesday (10 October) said it detained a Panama-registered cargo ship suspected of anchoring without permission at 17 nautical miles west of Muka Head Penang on 9 October.

Penang MMEA Acting Director and Maritime Commander Nak Rong Si Prom said the Penang Maritime Operations Centre received information from the Penang Maritime Department that the ship, MV Wisdom Grace, did not have permission to anchor in the position in question.

An order was then given out to conduct routine inspection and search on the cargo ship.

During the inspection, MMEA officers found 19 crew members including the captain, all from China, onboard. They were aged between 27 and 54. 

The ship along with the crew were detained to assist with the investigation after it was suspected of anchoring without permission under Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952. 

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 11 October, 2023