Greek Military Rescues 3 People Held Captive In Product Tanker, Arrests Captain For Abduction

The Greek military captured the captain of the product tanker Arina 1 and rescued three people who were allegedly being held against their will on board during a recent maritime incident close to the island of Chios. The tanker, flying the flag of Palau, had drawn interest because of its turbulent past, which included a recent ban from terminals in Europe.

The rescue operation occurred on February 10, 2024, when the tanker, which was associated with Petrofleet Ship Management, was intercepted by the Hellenic Coast Guard near Chios. The Egyptian captain was arrested as a result of the operation on suspicion of abduction, violating Article 322 of the Penal Code.

Video Credits: HellenicCoastGuard/YouTube

The events that led to this intervention began with a sour sales and purchase agreement with the tanker. The captain held three crew members, including buyer inspectors, after the vessel encountered legal issues in Turkey. The captain allegedly misrepresented their responsibilities on board to meet crewing requirements and attempted to sail to Egypt to avoid legal consequences and a Paris MoU ban on European port visits.

There have been previous reports of the Arina 1 being investigated. The tanker was held captive in Germany for 83 days in September 2023 due to 42 deficiencies found during inspections. The vessel was permanently banned from the Paris MoU due to its failure to meet its responsibilities, even after agreements for repairs were made.

The prompt action taken by the Greek authorities highlights the need to uphold maritime regulations and safeguard seafarers’ well-being. Investigations into the captain’s activities and Petrofleet Ship Management’s role are still underway, demonstrating the incident’s broader effects on maritime laws and organisational practices.

Reference: BNN Breaking

Greek Military Rescues 3 People Held Captive In Product Tanker, Arrests Captain For Abduction appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News