The Indian Coast Guard intercepted the Russian-flagged general cargo ship MV Sevastopol as it was trying to flee India’s waters this Tuesday, after it was arrested by the Madras high court, the Times of India reports.
The ICG’s ship Agrim interdicted the 8,484 dwt Sevastopol after an 11-hour chase some 110 nautical miles off Mumbai as it was trying to cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
The operator of the ship was facing criminal proceedings in Madras court based on a commercial dispute filed by Chennai-based NTC Logistics on February 13.
Even though MV Sevastopol was given an order to remain in India’s waters until the dispute is resolved, the ship picked up the anchor and started sailing towards international waters.
Contrary to the SOLAS requirement, the crew also switched off the automatic identification system (AIS), as well as the navigational lights, according to the Indian Defence spokesperson.
World Maritime News Staff