Albert Satariano - the owner of a Maltese-registered vessel that has been held in Libya, along with six Indonesian crew members, for over three weeks - is dismayed by the government’s reluctance to intervene and identify the vessel to the relevant port authorities that is required for their release
An Italian Captain, six Indonesian crew members and the vessel, ‘Salvatur VI’ REG No : MFA0172VLT, which is Satariano’s livelihood, was stopped by the Libyan Military forces of Benghazi on 28 September after it wandered into disputed international waters with intent to fish 40 miles off the coast of Libya.
Neither the vessel nor the captain have committed any crime and have not been charged with any offence, and have avoided any sort of fine.
In fact, the Captain of the vessel Pasquale Giorgio Guinta was released immediately once the Italian Government formally identified him.
Giunta is currently in Italy recovering from an operation, and will come to Malta to explain the situation to the competent authorities once he is in good health.
The Indonesian Consulate have since been negotiating for the release of the six Indonesian crew members left stranded on the boat, however, the authorities are refusing to comply, insisting that the crew would only be released with the vessel itself.
The port Authorities are waiting to be contacted by Maltese Government to produce simple registration papers to show that the vessel is registered under a Maltese flag and that it belongs to Salvatur VI Fishing Co.Ltd.
Replies from the government have so far been unforthcoming, with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs saying that they are monitoring the situation without giving any indication what they intended to do.
Satariano has since been informed by Alleanza Bidla Leader Ivan Grech Mintoff that “a similar simple procedure will release my vessel in the same manner,” this has also been confirmed by a signed statement by Guinta that has been given to the newsroom.
“I cannot understand why there seems to be such a delay from my Government to do exactly as the Italians did for the return of my vessel,” Satariano said.
“The Government has been unable to forward these simple papers even though there are no charges or fines. It is totally unnecessary and no valid reason has been given to me for this delay.
“I am now seriously worried that I might never see my vessel again.
“I have therefore asked Mr Ivan Grech Mintoff not only to inform himself of the issue but also to intervene on my behalf with the Benghasi Port Authorities. Ivan has agreed to ask for the release of my vessel.”