THE investigation into the hijacking by pirates of the 75,000-dwt tanker Kerala off Luanda on January 18 has been concluded and the findings will be published shortly.
The investigation is based on evidence gathered by an INTERPOL-led multinational incident response team.
Liberia said it had requested the attendance of the incident response team in Tema, the port of refuge for Dynacom-owned Kerala after the pirates left. The Ghanaian authorities then launched a crime scene investigation.
Authorities so far know that after the hijacking, the ship went to Nigeria where the pirates - believed to be Nigerians - unloaded the cargo. During the hijacking, the fourth engineer was stabbed and other crewmen were beaten, reported London's Tanker Operator.
The pirates also disabled the tanker's AIS and other communication equipment to prevent the ship being tracked.
The owner/operator of the captive vessel re-established contact with the ship on January 26 and soon after the pirates had left. The vessel then left for Tema, where Angolan navy personnel directed her back to Angola.
The vessel was cleared for discharge at Luanda on February 19. The Kerala is not allowed to depart from Angola until further notice.
Dynacom is no stranger to piracy. Its 157,000-dwt suezmax Smyrni remains the last ship hijacked by Somali pirates. It was released after a ransom payment.
PIRACY
04 June 2014 - 21:42
Inquiry in Kerala hijacking is brought to a close, report to come
THE investigation into the hijacking by pirates of the 75,000-dwt tanker Kerala off Luanda on January 18 has been concluded and the findings will be published shortly.
PIRACY
04 June 2014 - 21:42
Inquiry in Kerala hijacking is brought to a close, report to come
This news 6034 hits received.
These news may also interest you