Somalia: Puntland probes Iranian boat escape

BOSSASO, Somalia-Iranian fishing trawler seized by Puntland Marine Forces made a surprise escape at Bossaso seaport late on Friday night, prompting for government to open a probe into the incident, Garowe Online reports.

On escape, coastguard units fired at the Iranian boat, with heavy sound of gunfire being heard across Bossaso.

Puntland Ports, Marine Transport and Counter-Piracy Minister Abdullahi Jama Salah has given further details of how the vessel snuck away from the fortified area mysteriously.

Salah blamed Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) soldiers for firing wrong shots, saying the incident is being investigated.

Puntland minister also complained that the marine force units are not charged with the security of the port, and it was the port security that would track down the sailors in the escaping Iranian boat.

The fisheries ministry had already obtained documents pertaining to storage capacity and illicit fishing activities practiced by the Iranian trawler in territorial waters, he added.

GO has learned that a man identified as Saed Guulle—who is in contract with Iranian businessmen-- was responsible for the vessels. Credible sources have noted that sailors were held in Bossaso for three months and a half before being let board the boat without fines and charges leveled before court.

Puntland seized five Iranian vessels faulted for intruding into Puntland waters in operation off Qandala coastal town on the eve of weekend.

GAROWEONLINE