MVDANDELLAN GRACE

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Ship detained for suspected smuggling

The Nigerian Navy has detained and handed over the 'Dandellan Grace' for suspected smuggling and handed it over to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), for switching off its transponder. The crew members of the vessel switched off the vessel’s AIS transponder with intent to remain hidden from detection by security agencies. The vessel was granted approval to load diesel from Tonimas Storage and discharge its content at Julius Berger Yard in Port Harcourt. After loading the diesel, it was discovered that the vessel switched off the AIS transponder from Sep. 29, 2020, to the morning of Sept. 30, 2020. This behaviour aroused suspicion that the vessel might have proceeded in stealth mode to enable it to engage in illicit activities. The suspicion that the vessel might have indulged in illegal bunkering was further confirmed when Julius Berger rejected the petroleum product supplied to it because it did not meet the specification of the Department of Petroleum Resource (DPR). Consequently, the vessel was detained by the NNS Pathfinder for further investigation. A confirmatory laboratory test conducted by the DPR during the investigation revealed that the petroleum product was within the specified range for diesel. Although the test result came negative the 'Dandallan Grace' was still found culpable for AIS infractions. The sailors’ action violated the Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS) Regulations mandating vessels to always operate with their AIS transponder switched on. The crew members’ action endangered the navigational safety of other ships, vessels and commuters at sea. The 'Dandallan Grace' was thus handed over to NIMASA for further necessary action in line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures. The agency was to conduct a speedy investigation to determine why the vessel’s AIS transponder was switched off and would prosecute anyone found culpable of the crime.