16 Stowaways Arrive to Algeciras Port in Maersk Container

Fran Martinez/Facebook A group of 16 stowaways was found hidden in a Maersk container aboard a vessel which arrived at APM Terminals in Algeciras, Spain from Ghana. The men spent some two weeks inside the container aboard the Liberia-flagged boxship Panther, which departed Ghana on October 6, according to media reports. While the ship was undergoing unloading operations at Algeciras, the ports stevedores heard voices coming from the container and alerted the crew of the vessel, who inspected the box. When they were found, the stowaways were suffering from dehydration and needed treatment aboard the ship, however, none were in need of hospital treatment, media reports indicated. Police authorities were notified of the incident and launched an investigation into the matter. However, since the stowaways did not leave the ship, they remained in the custody of the vessels Master. AIS data from Marine Traffic shows that the vessel, which was scheduled to depart Algeciras on October 17, is still moored in the port. World Maritime News is waiting for more details on the incident from relevant parties.   World Maritime News Staff