Operation IRINI inspected an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged vessel
On March 10, Operation IRINI boarded and inspected the cooperative BF ESPERANZA, an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged vessel, applying the United Nation Security Council’s Resolutions 2292 (2016) and 2526 (2020) – concerning the arms embargo on Libya.
The vessel departed from Port Sahid (Egypt) and was directed to Benghazi (Libya). The team of the flagship, HS AEGEAN, boarded the vessel in international waters, approximately 80 nautical miles North East of Benghazi (Libya). The boarding team checked the available documentation on board and inspected the cargo. Nothing suspicious was found and the vessel was declared free to proceed on its way.
The procedure went smoothly and the boarding took place in a collaborative atmosphere for both the master and the crew.
All recommended COVID-19 precautions were observed during the activity. This is the 8th boarding activity since the start of the Operation.
This activity in international waters is part of the Operation’s mandate, which first aim is to implement arms embargo on Libya.
In a bit more than 11 months, the Operation has investigated more than 2200 vessels, it has conducted 88 Friendly Approaches, 8 inspections and 1 diversion.
