Reviews & Ratings for the Merle

Two Russian sailors from the cargo ship 'Merle' have successfully returned home following their release from captivity. The ship, owned by the St. Petersburg-based MT Group, was arrested off the coast of Zawia, Libya, on March 5, 2017. The sailors endured two months in detention before their return home on May 4, 2017. Prior to their release, in late April, five additional members of the ship’s crew had already been freed and made their way back to Russia, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by seafarers in volatile maritime regions.

On March 5, 2017, the vessel known as the 'Merle' was apprehended by the Libyan Coast Guard. After its seizure, the ship was brought to Tripoli, where it has remained under the custody of forces aligned with the UN-backed Presidential Council, headed by Fayez al-Sarraj. This action appears to be part of ongoing negotiations aimed at strengthening their bargaining position.

On March 5, 2017, the cargo vessel 'Merle' found herself under the scrutiny of the Zawiya Squad of the Libyan Coast Guard. The ship was intercepted while navigating Libyan waters and subsequently escorted to Tripoli, where it docked in the afternoon hours. Ever since, the Merle has been held in custody. The vessel was en route to Zuwara port with plans to load a shipment of scrap metal destined for Turkey. Alongside the ship's detention, all seven crew members onboard were also arrested, leading to a comprehensive investigation spearheaded by the Special Deterrence Force based in Tripoli. Authorities determined that the crew lacked the necessary entry permission from Libyan officials, prompting further legal inquiries into this maritime incident.