The merchant ship Odysseus, flying under the Liberian flag, reported foreign elements on board and requested assistance from Portuguese authorities, according to a joint statement released by AMN and the Navy at 18:30.
The Maritime Operations Center (COMAR) received an alert at 23:00 yesterday, September 3rd, from the Maritime Traffic Control Center (CCTM) of the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Security, and Maritime Services (DGRM), regarding a radio communication from the merchant ship Odysseus, as noted in the statement.
Following this request and the subsequent entry of the ship into Portuguese territorial waters, the Captain of the Port of Portimão activated AMN resources and sought Navy assistance.
According to the statement, a team composed of elements from both entities boarded the ship six nautical miles off the Portuguese coast this morning to restore safety conditions for the vessel and its crew.
The ship, which was navigating off the Algarve coast, is currently “sailing safely” towards Sines, as stated by AMN and the Navy.
Portuguese authorities report that AMN and Navy personnel continue to ensure the safety of the merchant ship off the Algarve coast following the request for assistance.
