What Crew Members Say About Kawakawa

The notorious 'Fairy Tale', a tanker that has been moored at a Bluff laybye berth in Durban since May 5, 2016, is set to be sold at a public auction. This judicial sale will take place on October 26 at the prestigious Oyster Box Hotel, located in Umhlanga Rocks. Maritime enthusiasts and potential buyers will have the opportunity to participate in this event, which marks a significant moment in the vessel's storied history.

The tanker 'Fairy Tale' has been docked at the Bluff in Durban for the last three months, officially marked as laid up since its arrival on May 30, 2016. The vessel's recent history has taken a dramatic turn, as it was arrested in Malaysian waters on January 21, 2023, following an unauthorized anchorage in the Singapore Strait. During this incident, both the ship's master and chief engineer were detained for questioning. Their release, along with the ship, required the vessel's owners to pay a significant fine. As the 'Fairy Tale' continues to linger in Durban, questions arise about its future and the circumstances that have led to its prolonged inactivity.

On January 21, 2016, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) took action against the tanker 'Fairy Tale' in the waters of Pengerang, situated to the east of Singapore. The vessel was apprehended for allegedly anchoring in Malaysian territorial waters without the necessary permits. During a routine patrol, authorities observed 'Fairy Tale' anchored within a restricted zone near Tanjung Ramunia. The ship, which carried a crew of 12, did not acquire the required authorization prior to anchoring. This incident is currently under investigation, with violations cited under Section 49 1B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, concerning failure to secure anchorage permission, and Section 3 of the Federation Light Dues Act 1953 for neglecting to notify Malaysian officials of the vessel's entry into their waters. In light of the situation, both the ship's captain and chief engineer have been brought to the MMEA office in Johor Baru for further questioning. If the owner of 'Fairy Tale' is found liable, they could face hefty penalties, including fines approaching $23,600, a potential imprisonment of up to two years, or a combination of both sanctions.