Coast Guard Responds to Serious Incident on Maltese-flagged Ship

In a bizarre and complicated situation on the Petuxent River channel near Baltimore, Coast Guard Sector Baltimore responded to reports that the crew of an oceangoing vessel had become intoxicated and were wielding knives. The situation became so serious that the two pilots on board requested removal from the vessel because they were concerned for their own safety. The incident occurred, according to U.S. Coast Guard sources, on evening of March 8th, as the vessel was outbound from the port of Baltimore.

Initial reports indicated that two pilots aboard the Maltese-flagged 300' M/V “OCEAN VICTORY” requested removal from the vessel for safety concerns. Some of the vessel's crew reportedly were intoxicated on the outbound transit from Baltimore and started wielding knives. The Pilot's association contacted the CG and requested assistance. In response, the Coast Guard deployed small boats with boarding teams, among other assets.

Eventually, the Maryland Pilots' Association advised the Coast guard that they had removed two pilots from the M/V OCEAN VICTORY via pilot boat. At that point, the vessel was anchored in the Patuxent Channel, in Maryland waters, with approximately 90 nautical miles to travel before taking ultimate departure. Sector Baltimore then made provisions to hold the vessel at the river mouth, in a position that will not impede commercial traffic.

Early reports did indicate that the crew had not directly threatened the pilots' lives, but the Master reported that several crew were apparently drunk and wielding knives. Eventually, the two pilots - one of whom was female - departed the ship and the vessel dropped anchor.

With two boats deployed and on-scene and assisted by Calvert County Police Officers, the Coast Guard initially monitored the situation. Additionally, a Coast Guard aircraft was put on standby in case the crew got the vessel underway without permission. At the time of the vessel's departure, it was said to be in ballast.

With the owner and shipping agent notified of the situation, Coast Guard personnel and a boarding team from Calvert County eventually boarded the vessel. Early on the following morning, the Sheriff's department team disembarked, leaving a Coast guard Boarding Team. The Coast Guard is investigating the incident fully, and according to the last reports received by MarEx, no arrests have been made. At last report, the Coast Guard was continuing to detain the ship at anchor under a Captain of the Port order as its investigation is ongoing. A review that would allow the vessel to eventually depart could take some time.

The bizarre event served to underscore the multi-missioned nature of the Coast Guard's combined mission, with law enforcement, marine safety, military and regulatory issues all in play. - MarEx