🚨 Drug Smuggling Plot Foiled Aboard Tanker off Belgian Coast – Captain Praised for Swift Action

A major drug smuggling attempt has been thwarted aboard the Scot Bremen, a product tanker anchored off the Belgian coast, after the vessel’s captain discovered concealed narcotics on board and immediately alerted the authorities.

 

According to a statement released by Scot Tankers, the ship’s operator, the Scot Bremen was en route from Pecem, Brazil, and had anchored off Ostend last Friday while awaiting a harbor pilot. But by Sunday, the vessel’s master uncovered a serious breach: five crewmembers were allegedly hiding suspicious packages – later confirmed to be cocaine.

 

In a decisive move, the captain canceled the pilot boarding, secured the suspects, confiscated their mobile phones, and contacted Belgian law enforcement. However, stormy weather prevented immediate boarding by police, forcing the vessel to hold position overnight. ⛈️

 

On Monday evening, the tanker proceeded to Zeebrugge, where customs officials finally boarded and seized a “substantial quantity” of illegal drugs. The five implicated crew members were taken into custody by Belgian police. The captain, hailed for his professionalism, was questioned as a witness and promptly released. 👮‍♂️📦

 

"The master acted with integrity and efficiency, safeguarding evidence and fully cooperating with the investigation," Scot Tankers stated, noting that both the police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office had praised his actions.

 

Replacement crew were flown in on Thursday, allowing the Scot Bremen to resume her journey to the Belgian inland port of Zelzate. Meanwhile, the smuggling investigation has widened.

 

In a related development, eight additional individuals were arrested at a marina in Blankenberge, suspected of attempting to recover the cocaine from the sea while the vessel was offshore. According to Belgian news agency Belga, they are being held on suspicion of forming a criminal gang.

 

With the case still unfolding, authorities are working closely with Scot Tankers to uncover the full extent of the operation – one that could have gone undetected, if not for a vigilant captain and his decisive leadership. ⚖️🌊

 

Source: Maritime Executive

Picture: A SCOT-8000 tanker ( Niels Johannes / CC BY SA 4.0 )