The Nigerian Navy has intercepted the MV BLU-SHARK off the waters of Calabar, apprehending 11 crew members who were allegedly attempting to evade authorities from Gabon.
According to a statement issued by Commodore Augustine Adams-Aliu, the Director of Information at Naval Headquarters, the arrest followed an alert received on May 2, 2024, from the Multinational Maritime Coordination Center Zone D. The alert highlighted the need to search for and potentially detain MV BLU-SHARK, identified by its IMO number 8767783.
The vessel was reportedly accused of departing Port Gentil in Gabon on May 2, 2024, at approximately 11:35 p.m., without the requisite customs clearance documents from Gabonese maritime, judicial, and customs authorities.
Utilizing Maritime Domain Awareness facilities, the Nigerian Navy deployed Nigerian Navy Ship OSE (NNS OSE) to intercept and detain the vessel, successfully effecting the arrest on May 6, 2024, at approximately 11:52 a.m., off the coast of Calabar.
Commodore Adams-Aliu emphasized that the apprehension of MV BLU-SHARK reflects the collaborative efforts among regional maritime security agencies in the Gulf of Guinea, as outlined in the Yaoundé Code of Conduct on Maritime Security in the Region.
He further stated that the Nigerian Navy will conduct preliminary investigations to verify the allegations, with the vessel to be handled in accordance with the protocols outlined in the Yaoundé Code of Conduct.
Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, commended the officers and ratings of NNS OSE for their professionalism in executing the apprehension. He reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to collaborating with neighboring countries to combat transnational maritime crimes within the region, underscoring the commitment to ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment conducive to enhancing the nation’s Blue Economy.
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