Probe ongoing into how tugboat with Iranians entered Penang waters

All relevant enforcement agencies are still investigating how a tugboat with three Iranian crew members on board entered Penang waters without permission.

According to the Penang Port Commission (PPC), the police, the Port Health authority (under the Health Ministry), and the Immigration and Marine Departments have all been notified about the incident, in line with the North Butterworth Container Terminal’s (NBCT) status as an International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code).

The PPC said at about 9.45am on Dec 11, they received a report from the port operator, Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), on the tugboat, with three Iranian crew members, having entered wharf N1 of the NBCT without prior permission.

It said the PPC then directed PPSB to conduct security control on the tugboat and contact all enforcement agencies about the matter.

It added that a report was also lodged with the Marine Department by the PPSB, in line with the NBCT’s status as an ISPS Code.

“Based on the information we received from PPSB, it is learnt that the tugboat, registered in Tanzania under the name ‘Fire Man’, had entered the NBCT to seek emergency help after two of its crew members fell ill.

“The tugboat, which did not appoint any agents in Malaysia, is believed to have started its journey from Japan towards the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“Since it does not have any agents here, the tugboat failed to report its entry into the Penang Port boundary to the Marine Department (northern region) and PPC,” it said in a statement today.

The PPC said the Port Health authority and Marine Police arrived on the day of the incident for inspections.

It said both crew members who were taken ill were sent to the Seberang Jaya Hospital for treatment.

One was discharged on the same day, while another was discharged on Dec 15.

“The police were at the NBCT on Dec 14, 15 and 16 to investigate the matter.

“The Immigration Department was present on Dec 12 to carry out investigations while the Marine Department (northern region) conducted a probe on Dec 14 and 15.

“Since the ‘Not To Land’ (NTL) order was issued against the three crew members by the Immigration Department, the trio was placed on the tugboat with security control by the PPSB,” it added.

The PPC said that on Dec 18, the tugboat with the three crew members was moved to the Prai wharf, according to the ISPS Code, upon instructions from the Marine Department.

Until now, it added, all the enforcement authorities are still investigating the incident.

The ISPS Code is used for all cargo ships with a net weight of 500 tonnes and above, passenger vessels which conduct international cruises, mobile dredging units and terminals which receive ISPS vessels.

For vessels subject to the ISPS, they need to report (to the PPC) at least 48 hours prior to their arrival at the Penang Port boundary.

The PPC said since the Fire Man was a tugboat and not a cargo ship, it was not subject to the ISPS Code.

“As such, the ruling does not apply.

“Vessels and boats which are not subject to the ISPS Code can enter into the Penang Port boundary, but the captains/agents must immediately notify of their arrival to the Marine Department (northern region), Immigration Department and Port Health.

“This is the practice for all yachts at private marinas in Straits Quay.

“The PPC is not responsible to track or monitor movements of vessels or boats beyond its boundary,” it stressed. Nst