CPA seeks reimbursement from abandoned ship owners

The Commonwealth Ports Authority is seeking reimbursement of all the expenses incurred from its takeover of abandoned vessel MV Celeste, which has reportedly bore severe damages that may pose serious danger to the Tinian seaport where it is currently being held.

According to a document signed by CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas, the ports authority management is currently compiling all expenses incurred by the agency from time MV Celeste was abandoned and moved from the Rota harbor to Tinian.

“CPA has incurred expenses since before taking charge of the vessel. [We] are in the process of compiling all expenditures pertaining to the operation of the MV Celeste and will submit the complete statement of accounts to [its owner] for reimbursement,” Mr. Salas said.

A memorandum obtained from CPA mentioned five major concerns faced by the vessel and its remaining crew especially if its owner, Angyuta Shipping Company, failed to immediately act on the ship’s repair and rehabilitation.

The vessel, according to the document, is undermanned as manifested by the official copy of its crew list. MV Celeste’s condition has also seriously deteriorated as indicated by an engine failure apparently due to overheating.

Engineers who have inspected the vessel reported the oil in the crankcase was mixed with water. Further inspections also revealed a leak which caused seawater to seep into the ship soon after it arrived from Rota to Tinian.

While the leak has been promptly fixed, Mr. Salas said this is no more than just a temporary repair which was already brought to the attention of the United States Cost Guard representative in the Northern Marianas.

In return, the Coast Guard instructed that the vessel should not be moved, prohibiting its departure from the Tinian seaport until after the leak has been completely corrected to ensure the safety of both the ship and its crew.

“We are approaching the typhoon season and for the reason of safety for the vessel and its crew, as well as safe navigation and port operation, the leak in the vessel must be repaired and the engine power must be restored immediately,” Mr. Salas stressed.

The inspection also showed that liquid inventory of MV Celeste was not enough: 700 gallons of fuel which may not be able to support power generation in more than 10 days; 50 gallons of lube oil; 20 gallons of hydraulic oil BTE; 10 gallons of hydraulic oil steering; 10,000 gallons of fresh water.

Food supply for the vessel’s crew on board is also reportedly low and may not last more than two days. Current conditions of MV Celeste’s refrigerator prohibit the crew from storing supply.

CPA earlier took over MV Celeste following its owner’s failure to remove the vessel from the Rota West Harbor. It was transferred to the Tinian pier due to the danger it posed to the Rota sea transport facility.

Ports officials previously disclosed the Master of MV Celeste had refused to comply with an earlier notice served by the Rota seaport superintendent. The notice was handed to the management of the Angyuta Shipping.

Repeated failures by the Angyuta Shipping management to comply with the order forced the ports authority to transfer the vessel from Rota to Tinian where it will remain berthed until marine and coast guard officials decide it can be transferred to yet another port.

Its transfer to the Tinian seaport came on the heels of public concerns regarding its potential to cause serious damage to the dock facilities that may cause interference with the use of the wharf should the vessel sink or becomes incapable of being maneuvered under its own power.