Marine Advisory: 17/2023 - Area to be avoided when passing off a previously declared restricted area on the Libyan coast

Subject: Area to be avoided when passing off a previously declared restricted area on the Libyan coast

Reference:

1. NAVAREA III warning 225/2016
2. IMO Circular letter No. 4585

Dear Shipowners/Operators/Masters:

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to inform shipowners, operators, and masters of an incident involving a Liberian Flagged vessel off the coast of Libya. The vessel was enroute from Alexandria, Egypt, to Misurata, Libya, when about was 20 NM off Darnah on the Libyan coast, it was boarded by Libyan authorities and the master was told that the vessel has violated the NAVAREA III warning 225/2016 related to a restricted area. The crew’s passports, seaman’s books, and the ship’s certificates were seized, and the vessel was ordered to proceed to Benghazi anchorage for further investigation.

Although the IMO has been officially notified of the withdrawal of the NAVAREA III warning vide Circular letter No. 4585, all vessels transiting the Libyan Coast off Darnah between longitudes 22⁰ 00’ E and 23⁰ 14’ E are advised to keep north of 34⁰ 00’N and exercise caution when transiting this area.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact security@liscr.com or telephone +1 703 790 3434 for more information.

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