The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) of Guyana says it notes with concern a recent arrest/detention by the Senegalese Customs of the Motor Vessel EOLIKA purportedly bearing Guyana registration. The vessel’s registration expired on December 10, 2021.
Guyana Standard understands that a search of the said vessel unearthed illegal arms and ammunition on board, equivalent to US$5M. According to MARAD, the vessel in question is not contained in the local ships’ registry and it is believed that registration documents were issued by International Maritime Safety Agency of Guyana (IMSAG), an entity with which the administration had severed all ties since 13th August 2021.
MARAD said that since parting ways with IMSAG, it subsequently notified all regional, and international bodies and organizations of the effective termination of all arrangements with company and advised of the veracity of registration certificates issued to vessels by IMSAG. As a result, several vessels have been detained in various ports for false registration documents.
MARAD assures that it will continue to actively monitor this incident and will spare no effort in protecting the image of the Guyana flag.
