Eastern Pacific aframax tanker Barents Sea, that was seized by private military with k-47 machine guns in Cameroon on February 2, has been released. The 26 crew on board are reported safe and unharmed.
According to the company’s statement, the vessel was unlawfully seized by the private militia armed with AK-47s last week at the Sonara Refinery in Limbe. The ship has now completed cargo discharge and departed the port of Limbe.
Also, the shipping company blames local charterer DSC Marine for the armed takeover of the ship, leading to a war of words with DSC Marine accusing Eastern Pacific of spreading disinformation.
Concluding the company stated that it holds the highest management standards in the maritime industry as it complies with all applicable local and international rules and regulations, prioritizing on health, safety and security of its crew members.
