News

Greko 1 flees from Somali authorities

Early on the morning of the 13th October, six days after the inspection of the Greko 1 by Somali authorities confirmed that the trawler had been operating illegally in Somali waters in 2015 and 2016, the Greko 1 fled Mogadishu.

The detained vessel was facing fines of up to 600 000 USD for violations of the Somali Fisheries Law, including operating without a valid license, not providing catch reports, operating within the restricted inshore fishing zone and the use of banned fishing gear.

All ports in the region are now on high alert for this Belize flagged, Greek owned vessel. The FISH-i Africa countries of Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and the United Republic of Tanzania are expected to close their ports to the Greko 1.

Inspection of the hold confirmed that the vessel was filled to capacity with an estimated 30 tonnes of high value frozen fish that is probably worth more than the fishing vessel itself.  The operator will be looking to get the catch offloaded as soon as practicable. All port authorities should be aware that the catch is illegal and should not be allowed to enter the supply chain.

Requests have been made to the Belize authorities for VMS data that will allow the vessel to be located and provide additional proof of illegal fishing activity. As the flag State of the Greko 1, Belize are requested to cooperate with Somalia and exercise control over the vessel

It is anticipated that INTERPOL will be engaged through Somali authorities and issue a Purple Notice seeking further information on the Greko 1. Any sighting of this vessel or information on its whereabouts can be sent to [email protected].