Read Authentic Ratings for the Ohshu-Maru

The Oushu Maru, a bulk carrier, has been detained by Philippine authorities following its suspicious loitering for a duration of two weeks. On May 1, a joint operation carried out by the Philippines Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, the Philippine Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Drug Enforcement Agency led to the boarding of the vessel, prompted by suspicions of drug trafficking. Despite an extensive search, officials found no illicit drugs onboard, and all necessary documentation appeared to be in order. The captain of the Oushu Maru later clarified that their intended destination was the Port of Kunuura; however, the vessel's charterer requested a delay in arrival. Subsequently, on May 3, Philippine authorities issued a warrant to seize and detain the ship, citing that an examination of the Vessel Tracking System revealed that the Automatic Identification System (AIS) was disabled while the vessel was in Malaysian waters. Moreover, it was reported that the vessel operated in a ‘dark’ mode, lacking a signal for over 24 hours prior to its entry into Philippine waters. As a precautionary measure, the Philippines Bureau of Customs has directed the Oushu Maru to anchor on the northern coast of Mindanao, where it will be subject to continued surveillance by the Navy and Coast Guard. By May 11, the vessel was documented anchoring at position 08° 36.88' N 124° 44.68' E.

On May 3, 2024, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced the issuance of a warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) for the vessel 'Ohshu Maru.' The ship has been drifting in the Bohol Sea since April 22, while on its way to the port of Kinuura. Despite no contraband being found onboard, the warrant stemmed from the captain's failure to file a notice of arrival when drifting began. According to maritime regulations, the captain is required to submit a notice or protest within 24 hours of arrival, detailing the circumstances surrounding any course changes. The ship's charterer suggested that the vessel drift to a safer location in the Philippine Sea; however, Captain Agmata asserted that he and his crew did not permit any other vessels to come near 'Ohshu Maru' during the drifting period. While the captain expressed remorse for the delayed reporting, BOC officials determined that seizure proceedings are necessary to formally address the situation. This legal avenue allows Captain Agmata to clarify the events leading to the drifting, according to the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and related legal frameworks. The warrant stipulates that the 'Ohshu Maru' is to be consistently monitored by both the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard until a clearance is provided by the relevant authorities. The decision to drift without communication prompted scrutiny regarding potential irregular movements, raising suspicions of smuggling activities. Notably, records indicate that the 'Ohshu Maru' turned off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmissions in Malaysian waters for a period exceeding 24 hours prior to entering Philippine territorial waters, during which the Coast Guard Station in Siquijor was unable to establish radio contact with the ship. The vessel, along with its captain and crew, could face legal repercussions under various sections of the CMTA, including Sections 214, 218, 300, and 1212, in addition to violations of Customs Memorandum Circular No. 08-2019 and Customs Administrative Order No. 15-2020. As investigations continue, the situation serves as a critical reminder of the strict regulations governing maritime conduct in Philippine waters.