Guinea

Equatorial Guinea alert

A recent case highlighted the need for special care over compliance with local regulations governing entry into the waters of Equatorial Guinea. Reports reaching the Club indicate that, while waiting to enter the port of Limbe, Cameroon, a ship drifted into the waters of the nearby Bioko Island, some twenty miles off Cameroon and part of the territory of Equatorial Guinea. The vessel was approached by a patrol boat and the master and chief engineer were ordered ashore.

The vessel was ordered to anchor and the passports and seaman,s books of all crew members were confiscated. Although the master and chief engineer were housed in a hotel and treated cordially, the authorities alleged a variety of infractions on the part of the ship and threatened the imposition of a number of different penalties. For example, the initial claim was that, since the vessel had failed to fly the flag of Equatorial Guinea, it was susceptible to a penalty of roughly $200,000. But alternative allegations were later raised, based on claims that the vessel had failed to fly the flag of its home state and had anchored without authority in territorial waters. Very difficult negotiations ensued until, with no resort available to legal relief, and to achieve the ship's departure, it became possible for the owners to settle the case at a reduced figure of $50,000. Members are consequently urged to exercise caution when approaching the waters of Equatorial Guinea.