Detained Tug Tries to Escape Port of Las Palmas, Faces €180,000 Fine
Spanish maritime authorities in the Canary Islands chased down a detained tug that attempted to leave the port of Las Palmas without permission. The tug Sylvia M, which was towing the offshore vessel K-Marine IV, tried to depart despite a standing detention order, reported by Maritime Executive.
Authorities detected the tug leaving the harbor around 19:15 on March 2. The vessel attempted to sail without a pilot and before completing the inspection required to lift the detention. Officials also noted that the tug was heading out to sea during severe weather.
Port control ordered the vessel to return, but the crew ignored the instruction. Patrol boat Rio Ara and another tug were then dispatched to intercept the departing vessels.
The attempt did not last long. Soon after leaving port, Sylvia M began experiencing propulsion and steering problems. A rescue tug brought the vessel back to Las Palmas at around 03:30 on March 3.
Spanish maritime authorities have opened a sanctions case against the tug’s operators. The vessel now faces potential fines of up to €180,000 (about $209,000) and remains under detention.
