BINTULU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a tugboat along with its 10 crew members for failing to inform the change of skipper, as required in writing yesterday (Nov 6).
MMEA Bintulu director Captain Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah said the vessel was detained at 9.30 am during ‘Op Permai’ and ‘Op Tiris’ patrols while it was docked next to a barge loaded with containers.
The vessel, operated by three Indonesians, three Myanmar nationals, two Indian and two locals including its skipper, were spotted about 2.6 nautical miles northwest off Kuala Kemena.
“Further inspection revealed that the crew had not informed the Ship Registrar in writing of the skipper change on the vessel registration certificate, an offence liable for a RM2,500 compound.
“The vessel and crew members, aged between 19 and 56, were escorted to the MMEA Bintulu Vessel Detention Centre before being handed over to the investigating officer for further action,” he said.
The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.
Suffian reminded the maritime community to always comply with all maritime laws and practice safety procedures at sea to prevent and reduce the risk of unwanted incidents.
Members of the public are urged to report complaints, information, or emergencies at sea directly to the MMEA Bintulu Operations Centre at 086-314254 or the MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544.
