Four crewmembers of Myre Seadiver arrive in Russia (photo)
Four crewmembers of Myre Seadiver (chief mate, boatswain and two guards) have arrived in Russia by air from Dubai (UAE), IAA PortNews learnt from the Transport Security Fund the representatives of which met the sailors in Domodedovo airport (Moscow). The seafarers expressed gratitude to the personnel of the Russian Embassy in Nigeria and noted the fair and decent behavior of the ship owner, Morgan Security Group Ltd. All the seafarers will be paid their salaries in full. None of those who has returned to Moscow today is going to leave their service.
Three more seafarers are to return to Russia next week.
First 8 crewmembers of Myre Seadiver who were released in June 2013 are on a voyage now.
All charges have been dropped, the vessel has been released. The vessel’s technical state has deteriorated over the period she was left without the crew. New crew has been already formed and will fly to the vessel soon.
The 15-men Russian crew of the Myre Seadiver of Moran security group, specializing in armed escort of vessels, was detained at the port of Lagos (Nigeria) after they properly informed the local security officer about the arms carried on board the vessel. The Court of Nigeria accused the Russian seafarers that they did without a license import into Nigeria a cache of firearms and ammunitions prohibited from importation under Section 18 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004 and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 (14)(a)(i) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17 LFN 2004 punishable under section 1 (14)(a) and (b) of the same Act.
Experts think the incident was in the interest of British companies specializing in armed escort of merchant vessels aimed for protection from pirates, as it can help fight off a competition in this market.
Related link:
IAA PortNews publishes documents confirming innocence of Myre Seadiver crew accused in Nigeria>>>>