Indonesian registered vessel ordered to leave Solomon waters

The Indonesian registered vessel, the Metro Teratari that had entered Solomon Islands waters through the country’s Western Province last week without the permission of the rightful authorities has now left the country.

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “This has been confirmed by the Director of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA). Government authorities advised the vessel’s local agent to inform the ship’s captain to return to its port of origin.”

“The vessel had applied to the Solomon Islands Government’s COVID-19 Oversight Committee to enter the country but no approval was granted. The vessel was reported to have tried to bypass this but local authorities have ordered it to leave Solomon waters,” says Commissioner Mangau.

The Metro Teratari is a passenger vessel owned by the company, Solomon Resource Management Ltd with 15 crew on board.