India Seize Russian Ship after 11-Hour Chase
In a dramatic nightlong sea-air coordinated chase, the Indian Coast Guard ship interdicted a Russian Federation Flagged Cargo Vessel MV Sevastopol, which was under order of arrest issued by the Madras High Court, about 100 nautical miles north-west of Mumbai. MV Sevastopol, anchored at 15 nautical miles (28 km) north-west of the Mumbai coast in Alpha Anchorage, had switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS), Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and navigational equipment, and tried to flee around 1 am IST yesterday (Tuesday) in an attempt to escape the judicial proceedings. The vessel managed to sail up to 110 nautical miles (204 km) away from the coast till it was interdicted by the Coast guard officials commanded by Umed Singh.
Private Maritime Security Ship & Crew Still Detained in India
The Madurai bench of Madras high court has dismissed the bail plea of the 35-member crew of the US-based anti-piracy ship 'M V Seaman Guard Ohio', which has been detaind by Tamu Nadu police since the vessel was arrested in October 2013, reports 'The Times of India'. Captain Dudinik Valentyn and 34 others were booked under the 'Arms Act' and the 'Essential Commodities Act' and were also accused of illegal purchase of diesel from local agents. At the [High Court] hearing the bench passed orders dismissing the bail application after accepting the contentions of the government side.
Crew Desert 'Arrested Ship,' Plead in India High Court
In a courtroom drama the captain of the Korean ship told the court the abandoned ship's engine room was flooded and there was danger of a capsize. MV OSM Arena had been anchored off the Port of Chennai since February 2010 following cases filed by different parties against the owners in the Calcutta and Madras high courts to recover their dues, and it has been under ‘arrest’ since September 2012, reports The New Indian Express. When a matter pertaining to the sale of the ship came up before Justice R Sudhakar at the Madras High Court, the captain of the vessel, Yethi Ka, made a surprise appearance before the judge. Yethi Ka told the court he had abandoned the ship on Tuesday morning and reached the shore using a fishing boat that was passing by.
