| Print | Close Window | AMO Currents - Posted: September 27, 2012 |
Ocean Atlas continues regular cargo service
The Ocean Atlas called at the Port of Houston Sept. 22, returning to the U.S. after the ship and crew had been detained for several days in the Venezuelan Port of Maracaibo.
An extensive investigation of the Ocean Atlas was conducted by Venezuelan authorities, who determined no wrongdoing had occurred and there was nothing improper regarding the ship, crew or cargo. A court in Maracaibo cleared the ship and all crew members, and the Ocean Atlas departed the port the evening of Sept. 14.
"The whole thing started when Colombian Interpol officials put out a general information notice that some of the cargo we had loaded in Cartagena had not been fully inspected," said American Maritime Officers member Captain Jeff Raider, master on the Ocean Atlas. "So they initially came onboard to inspect that cargo.
"They came across our defense package - the guns and ammunition - and there was some misunderstanding, apparently from the customs office, whether they had been declared or not, which they had. I declared them well in advance of our arrival," Captain Raider said. "It is possible the agent hadn't passed the information along to the right office, or something, and that's what started the investigation into the weapons trafficking charge."
The ship's defense package is kept in a secure location onboard and access is limited to authorized security personnel, consistent with the ship's security plan. The investigation confirmed that all declarations were properly submitted by the captain and the presence of the ship's defense package was legal and legitimate. The investigation also determined there was no contraband on the ship.
During the investigation, Captain Raider was taken off the ship by Venezuelan authorities and held temporarily, but said he and his crew were treated professionally.
"Nobody in the crew was ever threatened," Captain Raider said. "I was well treated at all times while I was held off the ship. The men at the law enforcement office that was holding me were very courteous and professional.
"I made sure the crew was well informed at all times of where we were in the process and what was going on," he said. "Keeping everyone informed was helpful. Even when I was gone, the chief mate, John Dunaway, stepped in and did an outstanding job of keeping the information flowing and also kept everybody busy when possible.
"I am very appreciative to Intermarine, LLC and AMO for their perseverance and solid support. They were very diligent and paid attention to each detail to ensure that everyone's safety was a top priority. It was a superb coordination and I am grateful to Mike Murphy and Leo Bonser for their work, dedication and support."
Captain Raider added the ship's operating company, Crowley Technical Management, coordinated efforts with the team and also ensured open and supportive communications with the families of the ship's crew.
Throughout the process, the leadership of American Maritime Officers worked closely with the Seafarers International Union, Crowley, and the ship's owner, Intermarine, LLC, coordinating all activities to ensure the safety and dignity of the crew during the investigation.
"We all respect the right of sovereign nations to enforce their laws, and we were all extremely confident throughout the entire process that no laws had been violated," said AMO National Vice President for Government Relations Mike Murphy.
"We are all 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. "Thanks are also due 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.
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