The MFV Lady Jessica II, a fishing trawler, and its crew of 13 were formally delivered to the Federal Department of Fisheries in Bayelsa by the Nigerian Navy (NN) this Saturday.
The Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso took swift action on December 11, successfully apprehending the trawler.
Its arrest stemmed from violating regulations as the trawler was discovered trawling within an area designated for artisanal fishing boats.
The trawler was apprehended within a distance of less than five nautical miles from the shore near the entrance of Pennington River, operating without activating its Automatic Identification System.
The formal transfer was conducted through a brief ceremony held at the Forward Operating Base, Egwema, Brass.
The execution was overseen by the Commanding Officer, Capt. Murtala Rogo, with representation from the Executive Officer, FOB, Commander Dantani Bukar.
He voiced concern over the violation of the Sea Fisheries Act of 1992, firmly stating that such acts would face no tolerance from the Nigerian Navy.
“To this end, I wish to advice all mariners to be law abiding as they engage the Nigerian maritime domain,” he said.
The Commander also said that the Nigerian Navy would not tolerate any maritime infractions in the Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
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“Let me also add that the Nigerian Navy will not relent in its effort to police and enforce maritime laws.
“To this end, I wish to advice all Mariners to be law abiding as they engage the Nigerian maritime domain for their individual businesses.
“Pertinently, fishing companies and agents must pay particular attention to the instructions in Form B issued to them by the FDF .
“Same must be communicated and understood by the vessel crew to avoid any form of infringement of the state laws therein,” he said.
He affirmed once again the resolve of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, to uphold the security of the Nigerian maritime domain, fostering an environment conducive for legitimate business operations.
He made it clear that this course of action is in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of Vessel and Person, 2016.