'Mystery' ship detained in UK

Wednesday 27 November 2019

A ‘mystery’ ship, whose extended presence in Channel Islands waters sparked questions after crew members had to be given food and warm clothes by a charity, has been detained in the UK.

MV Jireh – a former fjord ferry registered in Nigeria – set sail on Saturday after spending nearly a week anchored near St. Peter Port Harbour in Guernsey.

Border officials yesterday boarded the ship in Portland, where it had arrived in the early hours of Tuesday.

Wessex FM reported that the boat was inspected and towed in to berth at Portland Harbour following a power failure on board.

The MV Jireh had initially sailed into Guernsey waters, dropping anchor between the entrance to St Peter Port Harbour and Jethou on 13 November, during stormy weather.

The nine-strong crew on board said they were sailing from Norway to Dakar on board the Nigerian-registered ship. They had tried to dock in Jersey but couldn't and then were refused a berth in Guernsey because there wasn't space within the harbour.

The Jireh didn't have enough supplies on board for the nine men though, with an appeal going out to a local supermarket and charity for help. Both the Channel Island's Co-op and the Red Cross responded positively, sending over food and warm clothes. 

Since then, questions have been asked about the boat's seaworthiness and the crew's intentions, as its stay ended up lasting more than a week, with the poor weather blamed. 

With more people commenting via social media about the mystery, Guernsey Harbours released a statement late on Friday 22 November, confirming it was in contact with the crew and was trying to clarify its future intentions.

Today we have been in #Weymouth and #Portland working with our partners at #PortlandPortPolice #BorderForce and the #MCA. Our main concern has been ensuring the ongoing welfare of the seagoers aboard a vessel which docked this morning. #Maritime #Marine @MarineCrimeCop #Dave5417 pic.twitter.com/pU0leUc6Lf

— Dorset Marine Policing Team (@DorsetMarine) 26 November 2019

It read: "The vessel indicated it had stopped its passage south due to poor weather conditions forecast along its planned route.

"Whilst the ship has sought permission to berth alongside and to possibly extend its stay. Guernsey Harbours is unable to accommodate the vessel, as we have no suitable berths available that would not disrupt port operations.

"Guernsey Harbours is seeking further clarification on the vessel's future intentions, and remains in regular contact with the crew.”

Within hours of that statement being released, Guernsey Harbours confirmed the MV Jireh had set sail for Weymouth, not Dakar as it had previously been heading for. When the vessel reached Weymouth, the media there started questioning its motives too.

Since Sunday the ship, which was built in 1971, has been on anchor outside Weymouth, but Tuesday saw Dorset Marine Policing Team board and detain her.

The reasons for the detention are unclear a the moment, but the "ongoing welfare" of the crew was cited as a reason.