The Vietnam Coast Guard on Monday (27 November) said it arrested a vessel with the number BT 92009 TS at about 130 nautical miles southeast of Hon Khoai island, Ca Mau on 26 November.

A patrol boat belonging to the Coast Guard Region 4 Command discovered the fishing boat at 12pm, ordered the vessel to stop for administrative inspections.

An initial investigation found the ship, which had four crew members on board, to be transporting  more than 80,000 litres of diesel oil with no documents proving its legal origin.

As such, the authorities made a record of administrative violations and escorted the vessel to the port of Fleet 421 in Nam Can district, Ca Mau, for further investigations and handling in accordance with the law.

Photo credit:  Vietnam Coast Guard
Published: 30 November, 2023

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Tuesday (28 November) said a Panama-registered tanker has been detained for illegally anchoring in East Johor waters on 27 November.

MMEA Tanjung Sedili Zone acting director Maritime Cmdr Mohd Najib Sam said the tanker was detained by a patrol boat at 11am at 15.8 nautical miles northeast of Tanjung Penawar.

The captain of the vessel failed to produce any documents that permission had been obtained to anchor in Malaysian waters. 

The vessel was operated by 17 crew members, aged between 21 to 58 years, from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.

The case will be investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for anchoring without permission. If found guilty, individuals may be fined not exceeding MYR 100,000 or face an imprisonment term of not more than two years, or both.

Manifold Times previously reported law firm Oon & Bazul LLP sharing on steps shipowners should keep in mind before anchoring and conducting STS operations in Malaysian waters to avoid detention.

Related: Oon & Bazul to shipowners: Measures to take before anchoring, conducting STS ops in Malaysian waters

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 29 November, 2023

Comoros-flagged container ship Race I was arrested in Singapore waters on Friday (24 November). 

The 18,193 DWT vessel, formerly known as Wisdom Grace, was added to the list of vessels under Sheriff’s arrest in Singapore’s court system. 

According to the list, the vessel was arrested at 11.48pm and the arresting solicitor listed was law firm Oon & Bazul LLP. The ship is currently held at the Eastern Anchorage. 

No details regarding the reason behind the arrest were provided in the list. 

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / Frank-Peter Mecklenbeck
Published: 28 November, 2023