Tag: stowaways

Stowaways have hidden and undetected in various locations The Republic of the Marshall Islands issues Marine Safety Advisory regarding Stowaways origintating from South and West African ports as follows:Since June 2011 the Maritime Administrator has received 11 reports of stowaways from south and west African ports being found onboard Marshall Islands flagged ships either at sea or during pre-departure stowaway searches. Based on reports that have been received, stowaways have boarded ships in a number of ways, including:Climbing up over the side using mooring linesClimbing aboard by way of the rudder Hiding in containers prior to loadingThe stowaways have hidden, undetected, in various locations, including:Chain locker Rudder trunk Funnel stack Engine room vents Deck cranes Containers Notable items revealed in individual reports were:The stowaways came aboard in between the time of the stowaway search and the vessels departure; in one instance they boarded the vessel while lines were being taken in. The stowaways were assisted to the vessel by a small boat from shore and in one case the small boat returned to retrieve the stowaways as they jumped overboard after being discovered.MSD 001 (11/01) 2 of 2 MSA No. 118-11The stowaways used a hand saw to cut the security ...

Think like a stowaway when designating search areas and assigning search parties UK P&I Club issued Bulletin 766-05/11 for Stowaways as follows:The Association would like to bring to light a recent case of stowaways' boarding at Richards Bay, South Africa to the attention of Members. This case highlights the extreme risks stowaways are prepared to take in their means of boarding while attempting to remain undetected.The ship in question was a bulk carrier of 34,400grt, which loaded a cargo of steam coal for discharge at Sikka, India. Before arrival at the load port the crew had standing instructions to remain vigilant at all times for stowaways attempting to board. All doors remained closed and locked and all ladders from the main deck to the boat deck and from the boat deck to the next level had been blocked with razor wire.Extra precautions were in place as the ship was transiting the Indian Ocean High Risk Area. One door, shore side was in operation with two seamen constantly on watch. Periodical patrols took place with constant reporting to the watch officer and chief officer. Before departure from Richards Bay a stowaway search was performed and stowaway check list completed.Five days after ...