Wednesday 24 October 2012

NAVY ARRESTS RUSSIAN SHIP, RECOVER 8,598 AMMUNITIONS


 Navy Arrests Russian Ship, 15-Man Crew, Recover 8,598 Ammunitions
Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Nigeria Navy (NN) has arrested a 15-man crew Russian ship, Merchant Vessel (MV) Myre Sea Diver, Avatiu,  in the country's territorial waters and recovered about 8,598 ammunitions and different rifles.

Although 14 AK47 rifles with 3, 643 ammunitions and 22 Benelli MRI 20 barrel rifles with 4, 955 ammunitions were discovered on board the ship, THISDAY gathered that there could be more as investigations are yet to be concluded.

The ship, a Det Norske Veritas (DNV) marked E5U2529 was arrested by Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft patrol boats at the Lagos stead and is parked at the ship's harbour at the Western Naval Command (WNC), Apapa.

Owned by the Moran group, THISDAY gathered that the arrested ship which is flying a Dutch Island flag was sighted in Lagos on Friday, October 20, 2012.

Information obtained from the ship's website indicated that its operation has been suspended following the arrest.

Confirming the arrest yesterday, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), WNC, Rear Admiral Ameen Ikioda, said the vessel entered the Lagos stead without appropriate notifications from the naval authorities.

He said, "Part of our responsibilities in Lagos area is to create a very conducive maritime space for legitimate maritime businesses to thrive.

"Therefore, anytime we see something that is infringing on such an opportunity, we try to see how best we can address it."

Ikioda added, "The said ship came into our waters without due notifications and on further search it was discovered that it has weapons and ammunitions on board which is an infringement of the laws of this country.

 

"We are still trying to ascertain the number of weapons that are on board but so far, we discovered 14 AK47 and 22 Benelli rifles with 3,643 and 4, 955 ammunitions respectively."

He however said investigations are ongoing.

With its DNV number 04795, the Russian ship was built in 1965 and operates at a speed of 7.5\6.4 knots.

 

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