29-5-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has taken custody of a bulk carrier ship registered in China for illegally anchoring in the waters of east Johor. The vessel was located 20.1 nautical miles (37km) east of Tanjung Siang.
First Admiral (Maritime) Nurul Hizam Zakaria, the Director of Johor Maritime, stated that the ship, registered in Fuzhou, China, was apprehended at 12:45 PM on Sunday (May 28) for failing to present any permit to anchor from Malaysian authorities. An inspection of the vessel revealed the presence of 32 crew members, including 21 Chinese men, 10 Bangladeshi men, and one local man, with ages ranging from 23 to 57.
During the inspection, a cannon shell was also discovered, believed to be linked to the recent finding of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Tanjung Belungkor, Kota Tinggi. Nurul Hizam mentioned that they suspect the UXO is connected to the HMS Prince of Wales case reported on May 19. The authorities will collaborate with the police and the Maritime Department to identify the shell, as it is believed to belong to a vessel from World War II.
The detained ship is currently under investigation according to Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which stipulates a maximum penalty of RM100,000 or a jail term of up to two years, or both, if found guilty.
Earlier this month, reports surfaced that illegal salvage operators had resumed looting metal from the wrecks of the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse after an eight-year hiatus.
