Momentum-Phonix

A satellite detection on April 3, 2022, revealed the presence of a pollution slick in the wake of the 'Momentum Phonix' about 100 nautical miles northwest of Tromelin Island, French Overseas territory, while the bulk carrier was en route from Madagascar to the port of Tuticorin. A Casa aircraft of the armed forces in the Southern Indian Ocean Zone was dispatched by the CROSS Sud Ocean Indien (Réunion Island), which was able to relocate the slick and draw up a report against the allegedly offending vessel. The Master of the 'Momentum Phonix' refused to comply with the diversion order given by the aircraft commander and continued its voyage to leave the Tromelin EEZ at around 5.20 p.m. UTC. A request for investigation will be sent to the vessel's next port of call, within the framework of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and under the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in the Indian Ocean.