Libyan naval forces have seized a Sierra Leone-flagged oil tanker on suspicion of illegally entering Libyan waters in an attempt to smuggle gasoline, authorities said on Saturday.
The Captain Khayyam vessel was stopped in Libyan waters on Friday night 25 miles northwest of Zuwarah city, and was carrying 1.6 million litres of gasoline, said Ayoub Qassem, a spokesman for the naval forces allied to Tripoli's self-declared government.
"The tanker was seized due to illegal entrance to Libyan waters without permission," Qassem said. He said more details would be announced when the tanker was docked in Tripoli.
He said it was sailing under a Sierra Leone flag with a crew of nine including nationals of Turkey, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan, including one woman.
Flags of convenience allow ship owners to escape tough maritime regulations in their own countries and often cost less in registration fees in foreign countries with favourable conditions.
Executive Director of Sierra Leone Maritime Association, Alhaji Wuroh Jalloh, yesterday told Politico that they were aware about the arrested and that investigations were being done around allegations of illegal transportation of oil.
“Libya does not have a government right now. They have factions who may just arrest boats anyhow. So we are trying to make follow-ups even though the government [of Sierra Leone] is looking out for ways to get in touch with the authorities”, he said.
He added that: “we have issued an order to prevent the ship from moving until it is proven that the oil that is carrying is illegal or not. There are penalties if the vessel is found culpable. We have already suspended it from the register and can only be reinstated if it is legal. If it is not we will blacklist it so that it cannot deal with any other government”.
Sierra Leone Maritime Administration is an open registry accepting worldwide shipowners and various types of vessels that meet the Sierra Leone standards in accordance with Merchant Shipping Act, 2003.
In November 2013 the Greek Coastguard intercepted a Sierra Leone-flagged cargo ship with around 20,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles on board. The intended destination of the vessel, halted near the Imia islets in the eastern Aegean, could not be ascertained.
In October of the same year just weeks after Nigeria impounded a Sierra Leone-registered vessel accused of involvement in oil theft, a major row with India sparked over another ship detained for "illegally" entering the Asian nation's territory.
The Nation Media in Kenya reported at the time that some 35 people on board the MV Seaman Guard Ohio face criminal charges for also carrying arms and ammunition, and having armed guards without proper authorisation.
The Sierra Leone International Ship Registry (SLISR) responded to the situation by filing an official complaint demanding the release of the ship, accusing the Indians of violating the International Convention of the Law of the Sea.
(C) Politico 16/02/16
