Vessel with Ukrainians on board detained in Malaysia

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a ship with 23 crewmembers, including Ukrainian nationals, on board, Malaysia's English-language newspaper The Star has reported, with reference to MMEA Tanjung Sedili maritime zone director Mohd Zulfadli Nayan.

"All 23 crewmembers were detained after they failed to produce any proof of permission from the port authority to anchor. The crew are Russians and Ukrainians between the age of 21 to 68," he said.

The report notes that the ship was seized off Johor's east coast on November 21.

According to Zulfadli, two crewmembers were brought to the Tanjung Sedili Zone MMEA offices for further action. The case is being investigated under Section 491B(1)(I) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 "for anchoring without permission."

Those found guilty face a fine of about $24,000, maximum two-year jail sentence or both upon conviction.

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