Bulk Carrier Crew Charged with Attempted Murder After Allegedly Throwing Stowaways Overboard Off South Africa
Authorities in South Africa are examining a supposed event in which the captain and also staff of a Panamanian- flagged mass provider obviously tossed too far 2 stowaways.
The event, as it is affirmed, happened March 28 aboard the MV Top Grace as it was underway off the port of Durban.
In a declaration, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) stated it was dealing with the South African Police Services to examine the event.
According to information of the event, both stowaways, both of Tanzania beginning, were found aboard without consent and also by force tossed too far by the captain and also some staff participants of the Top Grace.
Upon understanding of the event, authorities apprehended the vessel in Richards Bay and also costs laid versus the ship’s captain and also 6 of its staff participants.
They have actually given that shown up in court while main examinations are proceeding, SAMSA stated.
“It is alleged that the two stowaways had boarded the vessel “Top Grace” which was berthed at Maydon Wharf in Durban on Monday 23th March 2020 by climbing the mooring ropes and also concealed in the chain storage locker,” SAMSA stated in a declaration. “When they were discovered hiding on the ship, after it had set sail, they alleged that they were thrown overboard with a make-shift raft, life jackets and some bottles of water. The Tanzanians claimed they spent two days at sea before washing out at Zinkwazi beach on the North Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal.”
The MV Top Grace is presently berthed at the Richards Bay as the examination proceeds.
The 7 staff billed consisted of the ship’s Master, Chief Officer, Third Officer, Chief Engineer, First Engineer, Second Engineer and also Bosun, that were taken right into Police Custody and also billed with tried murder prior to being launched on bond. The staff were permitted to go back to the vessel up until their following court look.
“SAMSA has also conducted its own investigation and has shared such with the SAPS to assist with their ongoing investigation. SAMSA would like to warn vessels sailing through its territorial waters that any vessels found to have transgressed South Africa’s national laws, will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” SAMSA stated.