Operatives of the Nigerian NAVY SHIP BEECROFT have arrested a vessel, Motor Tanker SAISNIL II over alleged crude oil theft.
In a statement over the weekend from NNS BEECROFT authorities, the saint Vincent and Grenadines flag vessel had 11 CREW onboard as at the time of arrest.
The statement further quotes the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral MB Hassan saying that the vessel was observed to have turned off its automatic identification system (AIS), which he says is a grievous infraction within the maritime domain, adding that activities of the vessel would not be determined when such systems are turned off and such occasions are when illegalities are perpetrated.
He further said the infraction necessitated the deployment of Nigerian NAVY SHIP SOKOTO, which sailed 199 nautical miles to intercept and return the vessel to Lagos Anchorage.
