11 September 2011, Sweetcrude, Lagos- The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has ordered the detention of a fuel vessel, MT Green Dolphin, for operating illegally on Nigerian waters.
Director General of the agency, Mr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, issued order for the detention of the ship ladden with Automotive Gas Oil, more popularly known as diesel, after reviewing security reports made available to him by officials of the Agency’s Maritime Guard Command, who worked closely with officers of the Nigerian Navy.
A statement by the Deputy Director. Public Relations, Hajia Lami Tumaka, said the ship, anchored at about four nautical miles south of the Lagos Fairway Buoy, was apprehended by NIMASA officials requesting to carry out a Flag State Control check on the Vessel.
The NIMASA team then requested for support from the Nigerian Navy after the Crew refused them access to the Vessel.
The Naval officers who responded promptly assisted in detaining the vessel and allowed NIMASA officials gain access to carry out the Flag State Control checks on the Vessel.
Preliminary reports, according to NIMASA, showed that MT Green Dolphin posed security risk to the country as it did not meet up with Flag State requirements.
NIMASA said the ship will remain under detention while further investigations continue.
