Asia/Pacific News
MMEA to Charge Two Bunker Tankers, 1 Laden With Fuel, 1 Empty, for Docking Illegally
Two Indonesia-flagged tankers, one of which was carrying bunker fuel, have been detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) after both allegedly docked off the coast of Pengerang without authorisation, Malaysian media reports.
While MT Tabonangen 18 was empty, the MT Tabonangen 19 was reportedly carrying 450 litres marine fuel oil.
The vessels were stopped by an MMEA patrol vessel as they were nearing another vessel, MT Merlion 2.
In separate reports, MMEA Maritime Captain Amran Daud said that both ships had failed to inform the Johor Marine Department when they entered Pengerang waters, in addition to failing to obtain valid documentation.
"Upon detection, the vessels were nearing the side of the MT Merlion 2 ship at 2.5 nautical miles, south east of Pulau Lima, Pengerang," Amran Daud, Tanjung Sedili maritime enforcement chief, was quoted as saying in a statement Thursday.
"The MMEA members then closed in on the two ships and upon inspection, found they did not report their presence to the relevant authorities."
Six Indonesian crew members were reportedly detained and will be questioned.
"This is the ninth case of such nature in Johor's waters for this year and the MMEA will continue our efforts to monitor the country's waters for such activities," Daud said.
The tankers' shipowners are expected to be charged for failing to notify the proper authorities upon entering Malaysian waters, a crime which carries a fine of up to RM10,000 ($2481) and the possibility of up to two years in jail.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the MMEA has also been tackling another case tanker hijacking which resulted in the theft of the ship's bunker fuel cargo.
