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Update: Authorities say bunker tanker taken over by own crew, not hijackedUpdate: Authorities say bunker tanker taken over by own crew, not hijacked

A bunker tanker earlier reported to have been hijacked is now believed to have been taken over by its own crew due to a commercial dispute, Indonesian and Malaysian authorities updated.

Lee Hong Liang, Asia Correspondent

August 17, 2016

1 Min Read
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The bunker tanker, carrying around 900 tonnes of diesel worth MYR1.57m ($392,800), went missing and was believed to have been hijacked after leaving Malaysia's Tanjung Pelepas port on Tuesday before it was relocated in the waters off Batam, Indonesia, according to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

MMEA chief Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar was quoted from his earlier tweet that the bunker tanker, Indonesia-flagged 950-dwt Vier Harmoni, had been taken to Batam.

A MMEA spokesman was reported saying that there was no element of terrorism onboard the tanker. Early investigations showed that the ship had been taken by its own crew due to a disagreement between the ship's operator and the crew.

Indonesian Navy spokesman Edi Sucipto was also quoted saying that the issue was due to an internal management problem between the operator and the crew.

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Malaysia

About the Author

Lee Hong Liang

Asia Correspondent

Singapore-based Lee Hong Liang provides a significant boost to daily coverage of the Asian shipping markets, as well as bringing with him an in-depth specialist knowledge of the bunkering markets.

Throughout Hong Liang’s 14-year career as a maritime journalist, he has reported ‘live’ news from conferences, conducted one-on-one interviews with top officials, and had the ability to write hard news and featured stories.

 

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