Nigerian Navy Intercepts MV Blu- Shark Within Calabar Waters

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy said it has arrested a vessel identified as Motor Vehicle Blu- Shark off Calabar waters.

This, is sequel to the Multinational Maritime Co-ordination Center Zone D issuance of an alert message for a search and possible arrest of MV BLU-SHARK with IMO number 8767783.

The vessel was alleged to have escaped from Port Gentil Gabon on 2 May 2024 at about 11:35pm without obtaining necessary customs clearance documents from the Gabonese maritime, judicial and customs authorities.

Following the alert, the Nigerian Navy , using her Maritime Domain Awareness facilities vectored Nigerian Navy Ship OSE (NNS OSE) to intercept and arrest the vessel.

According to a statement by Commodore
A . Adams -Aliu , Director Naval Information on Friday,10 May 2024, NNS OSE successfully arrested the vessel at about 1152hours on 6 May 2024 at Latitude 040 49 929′ E, Longitude 008 0 17 602 ‘E, off Calabar waters.

Aliu said the arrest of MV BLU-SHARK was part of existing collaborative efforts between regional maritime security agencies in the Gulf of Guinea under the Yaoundé Code of Conduct on Maritime Security in the Region.

He stated that “It is also in line with the Chief of Naval Staff Strategic end state towards a safe and secure maritime environment in order to enhance the Nation’s Blue Economy.

“The NN will conduct preliminary investigations to ascertain the veracity of the allegation with a view to handling the vessel in line with the dictates of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct.

He quoted the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla using the opportunity to commend the officers and ratings of NNS OSE for their professionalism in apprehending the alleged fleeing vessel.

” The Navy Chief also reiterated the Navy’s commitment to collaborating with neighboring countries to combat transnational maritime crimes in the region.”