Meob Bay probe enters final stage

THE Marine Court investigating the sinking of the MFV Meob Bay fishing vessel will hear final arguments on Saturday before passing judgement.

The Meob Bay, owned by Marco Fishing, sank off Luederitz in June 2002, killing 19 sailors. It was Namibia’s biggest sea disaster.Works, Transport and Communication Minister Moses Amweelo said yesterday that the final court decision was expected soon after the weekend session.”The outcome of the court’s investigation will be taken into consideration to improve maritime operations, laws and administration in Namibia’s territorial waters.The speedy conclusion of the court’s deliberations to the satisfaction of all concerned is therefore of utmost importance to the Ministry,” Amweelo said in a statement.The last hearing took place in July this year at Luederitz.The first session was held there from April 19 to 23 and evidence was presented by five witnesses.Marco Fishing said its own investigations had led to the arrest in Cape Town of a diamond mining vessel, the Lady S, which was suspected of having left rope in the sea that was linked to the Meob Bay’s sinking.Amweelo said the Luederitz enquiry was looking at the general conduct of the officers of the trawler, as well as the training of the crew in the handling and operation of life-saving equipment on board the vessel.International legislation has been in place since February 2002, stipulating that all seafarers first needed to attend a familiarisation course before going to sea, with a refresher course after five years.The Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute (Namfi) is the only licensed organisation in Namibia that offers the course.The course includes first aid training, fire fighting, survival and social responsibility on board a vessel.Crew members are also supposed to wear life jackets while working on board and to take part in regular safety drills.It was Namibia’s biggest sea disaster.Works, Transport and Communication Minister Moses Amweelo said yesterday that the final court decision was expected soon after the weekend session.”The outcome of the court’s investigation will be taken into consideration to improve maritime operations, laws and administration in Namibia’s territorial waters.The speedy conclusion of the court’s deliberations to the satisfaction of all concerned is therefore of utmost importance to the Ministry,” Amweelo said in a statement.The last hearing took place in July this year at Luederitz.The first session was held there from April 19 to 23 and evidence was presented by five witnesses.Marco Fishing said its own investigations had led to the arrest in Cape Town of a diamond mining vessel, the Lady S, which was suspected of having left rope in the sea that was linked to the Meob Bay’s sinking.Amweelo said the Luederitz enquiry was looking at the general conduct of the officers of the trawler, as well as the training of the crew in the handling and operation of life-saving equipment on board the vessel.International legislation has been in place since February 2002, stipulating that all seafarers first needed to attend a familiarisation course before going to sea, with a refresher course after five years.The Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute (Namfi) is the only licensed organisation in Namibia that offers the course.The course includes first aid training, fire fighting, survival and social responsibility on board a vessel.Crew members are also supposed to wear life jackets while working on board and to take part in regular safety drills.