Discover the Lady-Genesis: Ratings & Maritime News

In a significant development, the 'Star Balboa' has been released from detention in Trinidad and Tobago, allowing several Panamanian crew members to potentially return home. This follows the completion of investigations into the alleged discovery of narcotics aboard the vessel, which was docked at Charaguama for resupply on August 28 when crew members were arrested on charges of illicit trafficking. Fortunately, subsequent inspections returned negative results, confirming the absence of contraband. The Foreign Ministry of Panama, along with the Panamanian embassy in Trinidad and Tobago and the Maritime Authority of Panama, actively worked on the case, aided by legal representatives to clear the crew of any wrongful charges. Additionally, during the vessel's detention, 17 crew members contracted Covid-19 due to a lack of biosecurity measures during inspections by Trinidadian authorities. With the resolution now in favor of the crew, the focus shifts to recovering their confiscated electronic equipment. The 'Star Balboa' officially regained its freedom on November 24.

The detention of the tanker 'Star Balboa' and its 17 crew members, many of whom have fallen ill with COVID-19, is evolving into a significant diplomatic issue. The vessel docked in Port of Spain in early September to manage waste disposal and replenish supplies but was subsequently detained by local shipping agents due to an unresolved debt of approximately $80,000. After the debt was cleared within hours, a collaborative effort led by police, Coastguard, immigration, customs, and prison personnel initiated a search based on intelligence received from international counterparts. This operation included members from the esteemed Transnational Organised Crime Unit under the auspices of the Ministry of National Security, alongside the Special Intelligence Unit and Customs and Excise. From September 2 to September 13, search teams thoroughly inspected the vessel, deploying divers and even considering the emptying of fuel tanks, but found no illicit materials. Anchored four miles off the coast of Chaguaramas, the vessel has been instructed by local authorities to dispose of its ballast in local waters, which contravenes maritime regulations. The crew's COVID-19 infections are believed to have stemmed from interactions with unmasked members of the search teams in confined areas of the ship, with some search personnel and a member of the crew's legal team also contracting the virus. The vessel's ongoing detention continues to accrue substantial rental fees, totalling US$11,700 daily. A legal team representing the shipowners and crew, spearheaded by Sophia Chote SC, Nyree Alfonso, Peter Carter, and Asif Hosein-Shah, sought recourse in court, challenging what they deemed a violation of their clients' constitutional rights. However, Justice Eleanor Donaldson-Honeywell dismissed their plea and denied a request for an injunction against the search operations on September 17. With the conclusion of the searches on September 17, the Coast Guard enforced a ban on the crew’s departure as of October 2, threatening lethal force if they attempted to leave. Now, the crew is appealing to Panamanian authorities for assistance in returning home after spending months at sea since July, with their communication devices confiscated by local officials. Among the involved crew are eight Panamanians and three Venezuelans, along with a Colombian captain, a Peruvian, a Nicaraguan, and an Argentine national. Out of the total crew, 14 individuals, including the captain, are battling COVID-19, with the captain recently collapsing and requiring treatment at Caura before returning to the vessel. The crew has not been allowed legal representation and is advocating for urgent medical aid to address their COVID-19 cases while expressing their desire for a swift resolution to their prolonged detainment, which has now reached 21 days.

In a significant maritime transaction, Star Tankers Bunkering SA, based in Panama, has successfully acquired a vessel for the impressive sum of $8.5 million. This sale represents a strategic addition to Star Tankers' fleet, enhancing their capabilities in the maritime industry.