Operation without a Legal Captain Tugboat Detained in Bintulu Waters

(Bintulu 11th) The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Bintulu Maritime Enforcement District detained a tugboat suspected of operating without a legal captain three nautical miles northwest of the Sungai Kemena river mouth in Bintulu yesterday.

Bintulu Maritime Enforcement District Chief, Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffian Eldine, stated that the white tugboat was discovered during the "Op PERMAI 01/2019" and "Op TIRIS 3.0" maritime patrol operations while heading towards the open sea.

An initial inspection by enforcement personnel found a total of eight crew members on the vessel, including one Indonesian captain, five Indonesian crew, one Myanmar crew, and one local crew aged between 23 to 51 years old.

The tugboat is suspected of violating Section 22(2A) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which involves failing to notify the ship registration officer in writing about the change of captain. This constitutes an illegal act. According to the ordinance, the related violation could be fined up to RM2500.

Currently, the vessel and all its crew have been detained at the Bintulu Maritime Enforcement District's Vessel Detention Center for further investigation by maritime enforcement personnel.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency reminds all maritime operators and shipping units to comply with relevant laws and safety procedures to avoid any incidents or risks.

The public is urged to report any suspicious activities or maritime emergencies by calling the emergency hotline 999 or contacting the Bintulu Maritime Enforcement District Operation Center (086-314 254) or the Sarawak State Maritime Enforcement Operation Center (082-432544) for immediate assistance.