Posted:
September 15, 2012
The Ocean Atlas has departed the Port of Maracaibo, Venezuela, after the master and all 14 members of the ship's crew received clearance from a court in Maracaibo to leave the port, where the Ocean Atlas had been detained for several days.
"We are thankful all of the officers and crew members are safely onboard and the Ocean Atlas is underway," said American Maritime Officers National President Tom Bethel. "These mariners demonstrated characteristic professionalism, and they and their families extraordinary patience. Everyone in AMO is pleased to see this matter resolved."
An extensive investigation of the Ocean Atlas was conducted in the Port of Maracaibo by Venezuelan authorities based on a report from Colombian authorities that certain cargo had not been inspected in Colombia and therefore could contain illegal drugs or other contraband. At all times, the captain and crew cooperated with Venezuelan authorities, who searched the ship for narcotics and found none.
During the investigation, Venezuelan authorities became aware of three firearms being kept in a secure location. As the captain maintained, and the investigation confirmed, the presence of the weapons on the ship was documented and reported to port authorities throughout the ship's voyage.
Consistent with established maritime law and custom, ships that traverse waters known to be frequented by pirates and other criminals are permitted to carry weapons that may be used to protect the crew from dangerous activity at sea. Such weapons are to be used in self-defense and are located in a secure area of the ship, for which access is limited to approved security personnel aboard the ship.
"The leadership of AMO worked closely with the Seafarers International Union, Crowley and Intermarine, coordinating all activities to ensure the safety and dignity of the ship's crew throughout this investigation," said AMO National Vice President for Government Relations Mike Murphy. "We all respect the right of sovereign nations to enforce their laws, and we were all extremely confident throughout the entire matter that no laws had been violated. Venezuelan authorities dismissed all charges against the ship and respected the rights and dignity of the crew during this very thorough investigation.
"As a team, we are grateful to the U.S. State Department, the International Transport Workers' Federation, the U.S. Consulate in Maracaibo, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, the Apostleship of the Sea, and the ship's officers and crew and their families for their assistance in bringing this situation to a successful resolution," Murphy said. "I also want to send a personal thank you to the personnel at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, D.C., who provided direct and timely assistance to clear the ship from the Port of Maracaibo."
American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers aboard the Ocean Atlas and the Seafarers International Union represents the unlicensed crew.
Ocean Atlas underway from Port of Maracaibo
The Ocean Atlas has departed the Port of Maracaibo, Venezuela, after the master and all 14 members of the ship's crew received clearance from a court in Maracaibo to leave the port, where the Ocean Atlas had been detained for several days.
"We are thankful all of the officers and crew members are safely onboard and the Ocean Atlas is underway," said American Maritime Officers National President Tom Bethel. "These mariners demonstrated characteristic professionalism, and they and their families extraordinary patience. Everyone in AMO is pleased to see this matter resolved."
An extensive investigation of the Ocean Atlas was conducted in the Port of Maracaibo by Venezuelan authorities based on a report from Colombian authorities that certain cargo had not been inspected in Colombia and therefore could contain illegal drugs or other contraband. At all times, the captain and crew cooperated with Venezuelan authorities, who searched the ship for narcotics and found none.
During the investigation, Venezuelan authorities became aware of three firearms being kept in a secure location. As the captain maintained, and the investigation confirmed, the presence of the weapons on the ship was documented and reported to port authorities throughout the ship's voyage.
Consistent with established maritime law and custom, ships that traverse waters known to be frequented by pirates and other criminals are permitted to carry weapons that may be used to protect the crew from dangerous activity at sea. Such weapons are to be used in self-defense and are located in a secure area of the ship, for which access is limited to approved security personnel aboard the ship.
"The leadership of AMO worked closely with the Seafarers International Union, Crowley and Intermarine, coordinating all activities to ensure the safety and dignity of the ship's crew throughout this investigation," said AMO National Vice President for Government Relations Mike Murphy. "We all respect the right of sovereign nations to enforce their laws, and we were all extremely confident throughout the entire matter that no laws had been violated. Venezuelan authorities dismissed all charges against the ship and respected the rights and dignity of the crew during this very thorough investigation.
"As a team, we are grateful to the U.S. State Department, the International Transport Workers' Federation, the U.S. Consulate in Maracaibo, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, the Apostleship of the Sea, and the ship's officers and crew and their families for their assistance in bringing this situation to a successful resolution," Murphy said. "I also want to send a personal thank you to the personnel at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, D.C., who provided direct and timely assistance to clear the ship from the Port of Maracaibo."
American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers aboard the Ocean Atlas and the Seafarers International Union represents the unlicensed crew.