Libya sinks tanker

Ship accused of fuel smuggling.

Libyan Coast Guard Shells and Sinks Product Tanker

On Friday, the Libyan coastguard shelled and sank the product tanker Goeast off Abu Kammash, Libya, near the border with Tunisia. The vessel spilled an unknown quantity of diesel and capsized.

Libyan officials said in a social media post that the vessel had been loading fuel from an offshore loading pipeline. A coast guard vessel reportedly approached and attempted to contact the Goeast to prepare for boarding and inspection. When the coast guard received no response, they opened fire, striking the tanker’s engine room and one of her cargo tanks, according to spokesman Ayoub Gassem, speaking to Libya Herald. The action was intended to send a firm “message” to any future fuel smugglers.

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Source: maritime-executive.com