Curtas do Bryant´s

EU – rescuing migrants at sea

The European Parliament issued a news release stating that a resolution was adopted rejecting a proposed set of guidelines on the EU FRONTEX border agency’s duty to search for and rescue migrants at sea. The basis for the rejection was the view that the measure should be adopted under the legislative procedure so that it would be legally binding on Member States. (3/17/10).

Indian Ocean – pirates mistakenly attack warship

The EU Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that two small skiffs made a fast approach on an EU NAVFOR warship for what appeared to be a pirate attack. The warship fired warning shots and then pursued the fleeing skiffs, which was headed toward an apparent mother skiff. Search of the three skiffs revealed ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades. Two of the skiffs were destroyed and the suspects were released. (3/17/10). Note: Warship identification and avoidance continues to be a problem for Somali “fishermen”.

Somali Basin – suspected pirates transferred to Seychelles for prosecution

The EU Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that an EU NAVFOR warship disrupted a suspected pirate action group (PAG) in the Somali Basin about 350 miles off Somalia. The mother ship was destroyed and two smaller skiffs, along with eleven suspected pirates, were taken on board. The detainees and evidence will be transferred to the Seychelles for prosecution. (3/17/10).

IMO – preview of MEPC session

The IMO issued a news release previewing the upcoming session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), schedule to be held in London on 22-26 March. Among other things, the session will consider formal approval of the proposed North American Emission Control Area, special requirements for the use or carriage of oils in the Antarctic area, and establishment of a date on which the discharge requirements for the Wider Caribbean Region Special Area (including the Gulf of Mexico) under MARPOL Annex V (garbage) will come into effect. (3/17/10). Fonte: Dennis Bryant.