Dutch ship detained for illegal sand dredging

A Dutch-flagged vessel had been detained by the country's navy for allegedly illegally dredging up sand on the Maluku Straits water, Riau Post reported.

The vessel, hired by Singaporean agent East Marine, was pulled on Monday to the Makobar port in Batuampar district, Batam.

The paper said the navy had earlier confiscated the vessel's documents and told them to suspend their activities until they are able to show documents on the legality of their activities.

However, the crew continued their activities.

Information collected by the paper say the vessel dared to illegally dredge up sand in the area under the protection of sand exporters PT Barelang Sugi Bulan and Indoguna. (*)