Amicably Settlement: Owners MT Heroic Idun Apologizes To NN, FG

In an attempt to broker peaceful settlement and release of the crew and ship to the owners over the detention, the owners of MT Heroic Idun on Friday tendered an unreserved apology to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Navy.

The ship was arrested and prosecuted for criminal offences bordering on crude oil theft in the nation’s waters and other infractions by the ship.

In the letter dated Friday, 12 May, 2023 issued the letter on Lloyd’s List. It would be recalled that rendering public apology is one of the conditions given by the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt for the release of the vessel and its crew that were arrested in August 2022 after a failed attempt to lift crude oil from Nigerian waters without clearance and hoisting of identifying flag.

The ship had raised false alarm that she was pursued by pirates, sailed towards Equatorial Guinea where she was detained by the countries authority.

Also, few days ago, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awuul Zubairu Gambo while commissioning some modest facilities in Lagos, had insisted that the vessel and its crew would not be released until the penalties and restitution were fully paid.

“It is to be noted that the vessel and crew will not be released until the penalty and restitution are paid as well as public apologies made in the print and electronic media in Nigeria and Llyod’s list.

“The successful arraignment and conviction of Motor Tanker HEROIC IDUN and her crew arrested last August, sentenced after a plea bargain to pay N5 million as penalty for the charge and $15 million as restitution to the country, is a resilient indication that the Nigerian Navy, as the nation’s maritime sentinel, will stop at nothing to ensure the domain is safer for sustainable development of the nation’s blue economy.

The apology letter reads, “The owners, on behalf of their vessel and crew, wish to publicly apologize to the Federal Government of Nigeria for that report and express their sincere regret for the difficulties presented to the navy and any embarrassment that may have resulted from this incident.

“At no time did the owners wish to undermine the reputation of the Nigerian Navy or the efforts undertaken by the Nigerian Navy in countering piracy and oil theft in Nigerian waters.

“Following issuance of the court order on May 9, 2023, the owners are pleased that this unfortunate incident has now been resolved and are grateful for the Nigerian authorities’ assistance in reaching this conclusion.

“We look forward to being able to repatriate our crew back to their families and to successful future trading activities within Nigeria.”

However, it couldn’t be confirmed whether the owners have paid the fine or now.