Owners Confirm Lost Contact With Tanker “Fair Artemis” in Gulf of Guinea
In a statement by Fairdeal Group Management S.A. today, it was confirmed that they have been unable to contact their managed vessel MT “Fair Artemis” since yesterday 5 June 2014, and the last contact with the vessel was at 18:00 hrs on 4 June 2014. At the time, the vessel was operating offshore Ghana. The Greek-owned tanker has 24 crewmembers on board, and was transporting a cargo of gasoil.
Fairdeal Fleet Director, Mr John Gray said, “Our primary concern at this time is for the safety of those on board the vessel. We would like to assure their families and all stakeholders that we are fully committed to returning the crew and vessel to a safe port.
We have taken the following steps in order to do just that, including:
- Notifying the ICC in London, UK – International Maritime Bureau. They have confirmed that they have relayed the message to the authorities concerned for prompt action;
- Notifying NYA Operations Centre, this is manned by a dedicated team who constantly monitor the Gulf of Guinea for security risks and incidents. They have advised that they have created a 100 NM zone and are contacting vessels they are currently tracking in the area to try and obtain any relevant information. Vessel’s flag (Liberia) authorities and Greek maritime authorities have also been notified and are also monitoring their identification systems;
- Our local agents are closely coordinating with Ghanaian Coast Guard and the Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to mobilize the Navy patrols to assist in locating the vessel;
- Advice and support to the families of our seafarers have been established and are regularly advising them of any developments.
Given the sensitivity of the situation, we will only provide comment if there are material developments which can be communicated.”
OCEANUSLive received a report stating that the Liberia-flagged product tanker, MT Fair Artemis, had not been in contact since 4 Jun. The last known position was 04:47N - 000:12W, approximately 40nm South of Accra, Ghana. The fate of the crew and vessel is unknown.
A second report received stated that a Ghana-flagged fishing vessel had been attacked in the Gulf of Guinea, however, details are unconfirmed at present. The FV may have been hijacked for use as a mothership but possibly released 6 Jun and headed to a safe port.
Vessels are requested to keep a lookout and report any sightings to IMB PRC Tel: + 60 3 2078 5763; Fax: + 60 3 2078 5769; E-mail: imbkl@icc-ccs.org / piracy@icc-ccs.org; 24 Hours Anti Piracy HELPLINE Tel: + 60 3 2031 0014.
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Submitted by Team@oceanuslive.org