The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has intercepted 19 suspected stowaways on Europe-bound vessels.
On December 19, the Base’s Quick Response Team (QRT) deployed at Atlas Cove intercepted 15 stowaways aboard the European-bound vessel MT KRITI RUBY. Additionally, on December 21, 2024, the QRT intercepted another four stowaways on the vessel MT MCC YANBU.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment, attempting to illegally migrate to Europe.
MT KRITI RUBY raised an alarm through the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, Falcon Eye Alignment, and requested immediate interception of the suspected stowaways. The Falcon Eye Alignment successfully vectored NNS BEECROFT QRT, leading to the interception of the 15 suspected stowaways at Lagos fairway buoy.
Similarly, the interception of the additional four suspects aboard MT MCC YANBU was due to credible intelligence provided by NNS BEECROFT personnel deployed for escort duties onboard the vessel. The prompt response of the Quick Response Team saved the stowaways from life-threatening situations during the long voyage.
The first 15 suspected stowaways were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on Friday, December 20, 2024, for further investigation and necessary action, while the remaining four suspected stowaways will be handed over as soon as possible.
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