Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Ebony-Shine

A recent ruling by a court in Zwolle has confirmed the legitimacy of the Public Prosecutor's decision to seize the luxury yacht 'Ebony Shine' back in 2016. The vessel is connected to Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, who is the son of the president of Equatorial Guinea. Swiss authorities have been probing allegations of corruption against Obiang Mangue, leading to their request for the yacht's seizure. Equatorial Guinea contended that the yacht was not the property of Obiang Mangue but rather belonged to the Ministry of Defense. However, a prior ruling from a Swiss court had already established that the yacht does not belong to the republic as claimed. The Zwolle judges referenced this ruling to support their decision. Since January 2017, the 'Ebony Shine' has been moored in Harlingen, awaiting further legal developments.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Dutch authorities have seized the yacht 'Ebony Shine' on behalf of the Swiss government. This unprecedented action comes after a legal dispute initiated by the Equatorial Guinea government at a court in Zwolle, Netherlands. Equatorial Guinea's Ambassador was notably present during the proceedings, where the government asserted that the yacht is the property of the nation's Armed Forces and a crucial element of its defense strategy. However, Dutch officials raised eyebrows over the yacht's intended activities, as it was scheduled for 'diving and swimming'—a rather unusual function for a military asset. Adding to the intrigue, a document found onboard referred to the 'owner's birthday,' which turned out to be that of Teodoro Obiang Mangue, a prominent figure in Equatorial Guinea. The Equatorial Guinea government is advocating for both Obiang Mangue and the yacht to be granted 'immunity.' A pivotal ruling from the Dutch court is expected in April 2017, which could have significant implications for the future of the 'Ebony Shine' and the legal complexities surrounding it.

On December 4, 2016, the opulent yacht 'Ebony Shine' was escorted by police as it made its way from IJmuiden to Den Helder, where it was docked at the naval base Willemsoord. This action came at the request of Feadship, the esteemed yacht builder, which had requested the arrest of the vessel due to an outstanding payment following a recent refit. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges yacht owners face regarding financial obligations in the luxury marine sector.