Tanker Fired Upon by Libyan Coast Guard Reaches Malta

Shipspotting The Comoros-flagged oil products tanker Goeast, which had been fired upon by the Libyan Coast Guard and had been reportedly sunk, has re-appeared on the radar. Namely, the damaged tanker managed to reach Maltese anchorage, according to its latest AIS data on Marine Traffic. The ships status shows that the vessels maneuverability is restricted. To remind, on October 7, the Libyan Coast Guard opened fire on the tanker amid suspicions that the vessel had been smuggling Libyan fuel. The Coast Guard said it resorted to shooting at the tanker as the ships crew had refused to obey instructions from the Coast Guard when approached while underway near Bukhamash, west of Zuwarah. Furthermore, it has been revealed that 30mm ammunition was used against the tanker, severely damaging its fuel tanks and its engine room, resulting in water ingress and a heavy listing of the ship. Local media reported subsequently that the ship had sunk. World Maritime News Staff; Image Courtesy: Shipspotting