On Thursday 16th May, 2024 around 1530 hrs the 2011 built bulker GOLDEN ARSENAL disobeyed Valletta VTS instructions to keep at least 1 mile away from the fish farm after completed conveyance operation and was on her way to Benghazi, Libya.
1535 hrs – Valletta VTS called the vessel to declare that no damage was made of which the answer was YES, Distance from the farm was 3 cables and she was instructed to stand by.
The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) offshore patrol vessel (OPV) P 71 was behind her.
1539 hrs – The bulker was instructed by Valletta VTS to proceed to drop anchor at waiting area since investigation has to be on.
1614 hrs – Bulker arrived at waiting area.
GOLDEN ARSENAL was built in Japan by Shimanami Shipyard at Imabari in 2011 as ASSODIVER VII for few days where she was renamed as STARGATE with Zodiac Maritime and since November 2020 she’s with the current name with Managers/Owners as AB Bulkers Group Ltd of Constanta, Romania.
1647 hrs – Fishing Support Vessel YAIZATUN DOS requested permission to leave Grand Harbour from MMH of which she left at 1703 hrs.
1701 hrs – GOLDEN ARSENAL anchored at waiting area
1857 hrs – YAIZATUN DOS returned back to Valletta after inspection at the Tuna Farm was made.
1926 hrs – From Valletta VTS to bulker GOLDEN ARSENAL, everything is fine and can start to heave up anchors and at 2006 hrs she reported that she’s underway to her next port of call.
