Asia/Pacific News
Singapore Bunker Theft Tanker's Navigation System to be Examined by Malaysian Authorities
The Singapore-flagged tanker that was found, minus its cargo, after it went missing last weekend will have its navigation system scrutinised by Malaysian authorities once it is towed to Malacca, Malaysian media reports.
The MT Joaquim was travelling in the Strait of Malacca on Saturday when it was reported missing, and was subsequently found on Sunday without the 3,500 metric tonnes of marine fuel oil it had been transporting.
The case is reportedly the third such incident in the Strait of Malacca this year.
According to Datuk Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar, vice-admiral deputy-director general of operations for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), it will be important to find out the time and position of the tanker's disappearance.
"We have to be certain of the exact position of the tanker and how long the robbers took to siphon the fuel oil before we can share the details of the investigation," he said.
According to reports, the MT Joaquim's last known position was 21.9 nautical miles west off Port Dickson.
Earlier this week, it was reported that all nine crew members were accounted for, though one injured member was airlifted to a Malaysian hospital for treatment.
