Seized tanker laden with HPFO not crude, report

A tanker seized by security operatives attached to Tantita was not carrying suspected crude oil as alleged, a laboratory test analysis has revealed.

Result of the test conducted by Trust Inspection Services Limited which was sighted by our correspondent showed that the oil vessel with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) number 5104033 was carrying High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO) when it encountered a forceful embarkation by suspected pirates.

The vessel which was granted approval to load 629,000 litres of HPFO supplied from Aradel Refineries Ltd in Rivers State, had loaded 445,814 litres between November 8 and 10 before setting sail to Bonny from the Naval Shipyard Limited.

Upon reaching Owogono community around Onne waterways, MT LADY MARTINA was intercepted by men in black attires welding arms, cutlasses and charms.

The armed men who were in two speed boats, ordered the captain to turn and steer towards Okrika at Latitude 4°44.329’N and Longitude 7°04.556’E, it was gathered.

Following suspicion that the motor tanker was in distress as observed from its maritime surveillance systems and alert raised from the ship, the Nigerian Navy dispatched two gunboats to the location for confirmation.

A source who craved anonymity said when the naval rescue team arrived at the location, seven armed men onboard introduced themselves as three Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel and four staffers of Tantita.

“What they did not know was that a quality analysis test was conducted on the product at Trust Inspection Services Limited before commencement of loading, as stipulated in the naval clearance. So, the vessel was cleared because it was carrying what it was supposed to carry.

“So, the Navy interrogated the Captain and Surveyor of the vessel. During interrogation, the civil defence team leader stated that they were instructed to seize the vessel. He added that he was not under Rivers State Command and was deployed directly to work with Tantita.

“When questioned on why the incident was not reported to the Headquarters, he claimed that he is responsible to Tantita and not to his Headquarters. Thereafter, a call was initiated to the Tantita Coordinator who identified himself as Delta Force.

“The Tantita Coordinator later came onboard and claimed that the vessel was arrested on suspicion that the vessel is laden with illegally sourced crude oil. He further claimed that he got a report that the vessel loaded from the creek as it was without security escort.

“Based on this, he ordered the arrest of the vessel. Later, two speed boats loaded with about 20 militants chanting war songs like ‘Asawana’ attempted to board the vessel forcefully. However, they were denied access.

“That morning, a team from Tantita arrived and took samples from the vessel for test. Three hours later, the Tantita Test team returned to take another sample for confirmatory test.

“To further confirm the initial test, Trust Inspection Services Ltd took another sample at the scene which also passed all parameters and confirmed that the vessel was laden with HPFO,” said the source.

The Nation gathered that to ensure the vessel continued its legitimate business unhindered, five gunboats were sent to Okrika to effect its release.

“Upon arrival, the navy team boarded the vessel and addressed the NSCDC and Tantita staff who disembarked peacefully. MT Lady Martina was escorted by a Navy patrol team to Bonny.

“So, it is funny the diversionary allegations that have sprung up again against the navy. It is obvious now that each time these people are caught in their dirty business, they try to drag the navy to divert attention from the real issue,” the source said.