The tug Wantas 6 was towing barge Wantas VII from Langkawi, Malaysia to Tawau Sabah and was last contacted on 16 April near Batam, Indonesia, ReCAAP ISC said.
Despite having no contact with the vessel from 16 April the owner did not report it missing to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency till 26 April. On 26 April the Philippines Police Coast Guard reported the barge had been found off Palawan.
A Vietnamese fishing vessel picked up seven seafarers, believed to be the crew of the tugboat, in the South China Sea on 30 April.
“The ReCAAP ISC requests all vessels transiting the area to keep a sharp lookout for Wantas 6 and to report sightings of the vessel to the nearest coastal State. The tug boat, Wantas 6 originally painted red could be repainted and renamed; and possibly intended to be sold,” ReCAAP said.
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