MT CASANDRA
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Tanker seized for fuel smuggling
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized the 'Casandra'' and four trucks carrying 54,000 liters of smuggled fuel at the Port of Batangas on Jan 1, 2025, which was caught in the act of transferring petroleum products into four tank trucks the previous night. The vessel was estimated to be worth P300 million, while each of the four trucks is valued at around P3 million. The alleged initial load of the tanker was an estimated volume of 1.8 million liters. One truck carried 40,000 liters of unmarked fuel, while the other held 14,000 liters. The other two were empty but nonetheless seized, along with an L300 van which was being used to consummate the fuel smuggling. The BOC Intelligence and Investigation Service had been receiving tips about the rampant fuel pilferage at the Port of Batangas and immediately verified it through own sources and made plans to inspect the port. The coordination with the local port officers and enforcement units led to the 'Cassandra'. The fuel failed SGS marking tests, which meant it did not have proper markings to prove payment of duties and taxes. Moreover, the ship’s captain failed to provide documents proving the legality of the berthing and discharge, resulting in the seizure of the ship and the trucks. The owners, the captain, and the crew of the seized tanker, fuel, and trucks will face charges for violating sections of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. Report with photo: https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/other/boc-seizes-54000-liters-of-unmarked-fuel-at-batangas-port/ar-AA1srS5O?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1#
Probe underway into tanker accident
The Philippine Ports Authority said on Oct 24 that a probe was underway in the 'Casandra' that hit the dock in Batangas port, to determine the liabilities of those involved. The vessel was seized by the Bureau of Customs as part of a joint task force with the Bureau of Customs, the maritime police, as well as the Coast Guard. The tanker was tied to the dock as part of the protocol when a storm was coming.
Tanker breached in tropical storm
The 'Cassandra' docked at the ferry berth in Batangas after having been seized by the Bureau of Customers on Oct 16, 2024. The master of the tanker and the 11 crew members have been charged with oil smuggling. When the tropical storm Kristine struck the vessel on Oct 23, it suffered damage to the hull, as wind and waves pressed the ship against the quay. The vessel sustained some water ingress from hull damage below the waterline and developed a list to port side. The ship was apparently flooded partially, and resting on the bottom. An oil sheen has been observed in the water around the tanker. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX1782W3vtQ
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