PNG Authorities detain Two Malaysians for breaching Maritime Laws

The Papua New Guinea National Maritime Safety Authority's Acting CEO, Captain Krzysztof Orlowski says  disobeying lawful directives and taking the unseaworthy ship to sea is a serious criminal offense and is punishable by law.

Captain Orlowski sounded the warning after Two Malaysian nationals were arrested charged for breaching the country's maritime laws.

He reiterates that taking the unseaworthy vessels out to sea endangers human lives, cargos, and the marine environment.

NMSA in one of its investigations found that an unseaworthy tug boat, MT Sereya No.3 was operating in Namatanai, New Ireland Province after it was advised not to operate.

The vessel was detained in Bialla, West New Britain province after a routine inspection was carried out by NMSA officers.

However, the tug boat left for Muliama in Namatanai, New Ireland.

This forced the NMSA officers led by Manager Investigation and Enforcement, Joseph Pyawan to chase the tug boat to Muliama where they arrested the captain and chief engineer of MT Sereya 3.

They were arrested and charged under Section 206 of the Criminal Code for disobeying lawful directives and under Section 331 of the Criminal Code Act for sending & taking an unseaworthy ship to sea.

Both are out on a K1000 bail each.

Statement/NBC/PNG Today

Next :  Eight new COVID-19 cases reported - PNG total cases at 843