Undeclared Captain Change: A Tugboat Detained in Miri Waters

(Miri, 9th) Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Miri Maritime Division enforcement officers, during a sea patrol, discovered a tugboat that failed to declare a change of captain to port officers. The vessel was detained about 10.7 nautical miles northwest of Kuala Bakam.

Miri Maritime Enforcement District Director Captain Khairul Annuar stated that the tugboat was apprehended during the joint enforcement operations “PERMAI 01/2019,” “NAGA TIMUR,” and “TIRIS 3.0” on the 7th of this month at approximately 1:40 PM by the maritime enforcement patrol boat.

He said the vessel had eight Indonesian crew members, including the captain, aged between 26 and 57. The enforcement officers subsequently escorted the vessel and all crew members to the Miri Maritime Enforcement District Headquarters dock, where they were handed over to investigators from the Maritime Enforcement Agency for further processing.

The case will be investigated under the “Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952” for failing to declare the change of captain to port officials.

The Malaysian Maritime Agency reiterates that it will continue to strengthen patrols and surveillance in maritime areas to prevent various illegal and criminal activities at sea.

For any intelligence and complaints regarding maritime emergencies or violations, the public can call the Miri Maritime Enforcement District Operations Center Hotline at 085-649111, Sarawak Maritime Enforcement Headquarters Hotline at 082-432544 or 082-432016, or dial the emergency number 999 for immediate response.