The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) yesterday said that it has noted with concern a recent arrest/detention by the Senegalese Customs of the Motor Vessel EOLIKA purportedly bearing Guyana registration.
A release from MARAD said that the vessel’s registration expired on 10th December 2021.
“MARAD understands that a search of the said vessel unearthed illegal arms and ammunition on board.
“The vessel in question is not contained in the local ships’ registry and it is believed that registration documents were issued by the International Maritime Safety Agency of Guyana (IMSAG), an entity with which the administration had severed all ties since 13th August, 2021”, MARAD said.
The release said that MARAD subsequently notified all regional, and international bodies and organizations of the effective termination of all arrangements with IMSAG, and advised of the veracity of registration certificates issued to vessels by IMSAG. As a result, several vessels have been detained at various ports for false registration documents.
MARAD assures that it will continue to actively monitor this incident, and will spare no effort in protecting the image of the Guyana flag, the release said.
