Yemen coast guard detains sanctioned tanker NEREIDA
The Yemen coast guard has detained the Comoros-flagged tanker NEREIDA after armed guards aboard opened fire towards a patrol boat following the vessel’s departure from the Red Sea port of Ras Isa, according to Yemen’s Ministry of Interior. The incident occurred when NEREIDA had discharged cargo at the Houthi-controlled Yemeni port without prior approval from government authorities.
The tanker’s voyage was marked by irregularities, including the failure to comply with procedures under the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM). Information available to the authorities also indicated that the port call had not gone through procedures under UNVIM. Furthermore, NEREIDA switched off its automatic identification system during parts of the voyage.
Interception and Investigation
A coast guard patrol intercepted NEREIDA in the Gulf of Aden. The vessel initially failed to comply with orders to stop, while armed security personnel aboard fired towards the patrol boat. NEREIDA subsequently stopped and was escorted to the port of Aden. Authorities have opened an investigation covering the voyage, cargo, vessel documentation, the Ras Isa call, AIS shutdown, initial refusal to stop, and the shooting. International naval forces in the region were notified that the interception was a law-enforcement operation.
Sanctions and Vessel Information
The 1998-built NEREIDA is a 35,994-dwt chemical/products tanker measuring 175 metres. The vessel is subject to US sanctions under IMO 9163269 and appears on the US sanctions list under its former name PETERPAUL. UNVIM handles clearance and inspection procedures for commercial vessels heading to Yemeni Red Sea ports outside government control. Clearances for Ras Isa were suspended by the Yemeni government in June 2017, while the mechanism currently issues clearances for Hodeidah and Saleef.
Background on UNVIM and Sanctions
UNVIM was established to handle clearance and inspection procedures for commercial vessels heading to Yemeni Red Sea ports outside government control. The mechanism aims to ensure that all cargo entering these ports is inspected and cleared in accordance with international standards. In June 2017, the Yemeni government suspended clearances for Ras Isa, while UNVIM currently issues clearances for Hodeidah and Saleef.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in enforcing sanctions and ensuring compliance with international regulations in the region. As the investigation into NEREIDA‘s activities continues, it remains to be seen what further action will be taken against the vessel and its operators.
Original Article: Yemen coast guard detains sanctioned tanker NEREIDA — Portnews