Asia/Pacific News
Malaysia Hands Over Investigation of Bunker Theft from Singapore-Flagged MT Joaquim to Indonesia
Deputy-director general (operations), Maritime Vice-Admiral Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) says that Malaysian authorities have handed over the investigation of the robbery of bunkers from Singapore-flagged vessel, MT Joaquim, to their Indonesian counterparts, local media reports.
The ship was found in Indonesian waters near Pulau Rupat on Sunday.
"We will be notified if there are developments in the investigation. We are regularly in touch with them to get the latest updates," said Ahmad Puzi.
"We are giving them the space to conduct the probe."
Ahmad Puzi also stated that he had yet to be notified if the vessel had been towed to Malacca, noting it would take authorities some time to find a company that has an available vessel large enough to tow the MT Joaquim at a reasonable price.
On Tueday, Ship & Bunker reported that the MT Joaquim will have its navigation system scrutinised by Malaysian authorities once it is towed to Malacca.
Ahmad Puzi said that crew members would not be interviewed until the vessel was towed.
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.
