Seven arrested onboard cargo ship in Portland Port

British authorities have arrested seven people onboard the Japanese bulk carrier, Chise Bulker, after they apparently seized the vessel while it was off the coast of Portland.

The seven, believed to be Albanians, were arrested after the cargo ship was taken into the port in Dorset, according to Safety 4 Sea (https://safety4sea.com/british-authorities-arrest-seven-perpetrators-onboard-japanese-bulk-carrier).

The Panamanian registered vessel had departed from Rouen France on February 8, and it is believed that its destination was Portland, although this has not been confirmed.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the ambulance service was informed that a person was in need of medical attention on board but the police subsequently discovered there were seven unidentified people on the ship and none needed medical help.

The BBC reports that Dorset Police said the ship’s crew were being questioned but there were no reports of any injuries to either the crew or the detainees.

A force spokesman said: “Officers liaised with the Border Force, the vessel’s crew and other partner agencies and arrangements were made for the vessel to safely dock at Portland Port.

“A total of seven individuals – believed to be Albanian nationals – were arrested by police and escorted from the ship. They will be considered by the Border Force and UK Visas and Immigration for potential offences.”