Senegal detained a Greek-controlled general cargo vessel, after finding ammunition on board.
According to reports, the ship “Eolika” was held in Dakar on 27 December with 11 deficiencies, with the authorities saying the crew has been detained for questioning. Additional reports from Italy and Greece seem to indicate the ship and its owner have a checkered past with peace activists in Italy demanding an immediate government investigation into the case.
Local media reported that the vessel first came under suspicion because of the actions of the crew. Namely, Senegalese authorities questioned the captain of the vessel who first said he did not know the contents of the three containers aboard the ship and later said they contained iron.
In addition, the four crew members are also being questioned while the cargo of ammunition has been unloaded for further inspection.
Commenting on the detention, the Senegalese Customs reported that they were alerted by the absence of reliable navigation and maritime transport documents, but above all by the inconsistencies in the declarations of the captain of the ship.
The ship’s AIS data indicated that its previous ports were Las Palmas, Spain, and before that La Spezia, Italy. The vessel briefly shifted to the dock in Dakar and then returned to the dock again at the end of December.
The investigation into the case is under way.
