ReCAAP Incident Update
ReCAAP ISC has issued Incident Update regarding an incident involving thechemical tanker, Sun Birdie.
On 29 Jan 15 at or about 1150 hrs (local time), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) received information from the owner of Malaysiaregistered chemical tanker, Sun Birdie that the vessel cannot be contacted since 28 Jan 15 at or about 2200 hrs (local time). The last known position of the tanker was at approximately 1 nm south of Tanjung Ayam, Malaysia on 29 Jan 15 at or about 0032 hrs (local time).
Suspected hijacking
The owner suspected that the chemical tanker may have possibly been hijacked, and called MMEA for assistance. Sun Birdie is laden with 700 metric tons of Marine Fuel Oil (MFO) and has a total of 11 crew onboard (comprising eight Myanmar nationals and three Indonesians).
Vessel Found and Perpetrators Arrested
On 29 Jan 15 at or about 2253 hrs, the MMEA successfully recovered Sun Birdie at approximately 17.63 nm northeast of Tanjung Penawar, Malaysia (01 42.03 N, 104 30.46 E). The MMEA detained the ships crew and seven perpetrators found onboard Sun Birdie. The MMEA brought the vessel to Penggerang for further investigation. Another two perpetrators jumped overboard and fled. They were picked up by a passing ship, Challenger Premier at approximately 12.73 nm east of Tanjung Penawar, and would be handed over to the MMEA. The CSO of the shipping company of Challenger Premier reported the rescue of the two persons to the IFC.
Source:ReCAAP ISC
