Stevedore remanded in custody for piracy

Tema, Feb. 26, GNA - A 35-year-old stevedore, who allegedly stormed a vessel on the high seas and stole cartons of octopus was on Thursday remanded into Police custody by the Tema Circuit Court "B". The plea of Anatey Abbey, who is facing piracy charge, was not taken and would reappear on March 9.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Edith Nutakor told the court presided over by Mr Stephen Teye that on February 2 about 10 unidentified men attacked the Captain and the Chief Officer on board M/V 705 at the high seas at 0200 hours.

She said the thugs tied up the Captain and his Chief Officer, forced the lock to the hatch open and took away 100 cartons of frozen octopus valued at 480,000 dollars.

Earlier, the thugs had attacked the Chief Officer, took him to his cabin and stole 4.4 million cedis, which was on him. All along, the crew on board were asleep and did not go to the scene.

Chief Inspector Nutakor said on the same day, a report was made to the Police at the Fishing Harbour, and eight cartons of the stolen octopus were seen being sold in the open market at the fishing harbour and were retrieved from the women, who were also arrested.

She said the Police have mounted a search for the rest of the thugs, adding that it was alleged that Abbey was the ringleader of the attackers. 26 Feb 04