Greek Troops Arrest Captain of Tanker on Charges of Abduction

A Greek Special Missions Unit boarded a product tanker, arresting the captain and releasing three inspectors who were reportedly being held against their will. The vessel, known as the Arina 1, had a history of running afoul of regulations, including being detained in Germany for 83 days with 42 deficiencies identified. The captain was charged with abduction of the inspectors and escaping legal detention and a ban on calling at European ports.

The product tanker, built in 2002 and managed by a Dubai-based company, was detained in September 2023 for various issues, including inadequate engines, lifeboat problems, and maintenance issues. After being released with an agreement to proceed to Dubai for repairs, the vessel instead went to Turkey, resulting in a permanent ban from the Paris MoU. The vessel was reportedly in the process of being sold to Greek interests, but was arrested for $1 million in debt before the handover could be completed.

The captain of the tanker allegedly misled the inspectors, claiming to be moving the vessel to a different anchorage in Izmir, but instead took the vessel to sea, keeping the inspectors aboard to meet crewing requirements. The Greek Coast Guard intercepted the vessel and ordered it to sail into the anchorage, where the captain was arrested and the vessel detained. The prosecutor’s office is investigating the incident.

Source .