16.01.2012
Text:
Photo: MV
Chariot.
The ship is presently moored in the port of Tartus, reports
Hurriyet referring to Turkish foreign ministry.
In its turn, British
The Guardian writes the information had not been confirmed by other sources, since the ship's crew switched off radar beacon.
Earlier on, the ship's operator –
Westberg Ltd. – reported that
Chariot had been examined in Cyprus and was underway in neutral waters; the cargo was in good condition.
"We regularly contact the ship; cargo and crew are okay", said the interviewee.
According to him, the vessel has sailed off Cyprus and is presently heading in neutral waters. The source declined to name the destination port.
The cargo onboard Russian-operated ship
Chariot detained in Cyprian port Limassol was dispatched by
Rosoboronexport.
Earlier on that day it was reported that MV
Chariot heading fr om St. Petersburg for Syrian port Latakia was arrested in Cyprus. Reportedly, the vessel was carrying 35-60 tons of armaments, munitions and explosives.
Chariot was detained on Jan 10 in Limassol wh ere she called for bunkering. The ship's crew had no plans to call at Cyprus but had to enter the port due to gale.
Cyprian authorities refused to comment the incident. However, it was reported later on that the ship was let go with one condition – not to head for Syria. There was no information whether the cargo was confiscated or left on board.
Editor's remark
Military cargo from St. Petersburg is unlikely on board the ship. According to Mikhail Voitenko, chief editor of
Maritime Bulletin, the ship had already called at Syrian port Tartus on Jan 3, then headed for Turkish port Iskenderun, then for Ceuta, again for Iskenderun, and only after that happened to call at Limassol.
All-freight cargo ship
Chariot (IMO 8302882) has deadweight of 1,302 tons; was built in 1984; flag state is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; operated by
Westberg Ltd. (St. Petersburg); had the name of
Malene till Sept 2010.
