‘Mystery ship’ Jireh detained at Portland

‘MYSTERY’ ship MV Jireh has been detained following an inspection by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Picture By Peter Frankland. 19-11-19 MV Jireh at anchor off St Peter Port. Food and clothing have been given to the crew of the Nigerian registered ship which has been moored in the Russel since last week due to bad weather. (26399407)

She left local waters on Saturday, anchoring in Weymouth Bay after crossing the English Channel.

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the vessel is berthed at Portland Harbour, having been towed in by a commercial company following a power failure.

Nine people were on-board.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s survey and inspection team inspected the MV Jireh yesterday [26 November] and the vessel has been detained.

Border Force and Port Health Authorities also attended the vessel on the same day.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation is aware of the ship’s situation.

‘The vessel will remain under MCA detention until it achieves full compliance with merchant shipping regulations,’ the spokesperson said.

Two Dorset Police vehicles pictured on the jetty at Portland Port, Dorset where the MV Jireh has tied up after being at sea for several weeks. (one behind skips)..Picture By: Geoff Moore/Dorset Media Service. (26485003)

On Monday it was announced that HM Coastguard has been assisting the crew of the MV Jireh, after the vessel experiencing power failure near to Portland Harbour.

The survey and inspection team continue to monitor the situation.

At 1.52am on Tuesday, the MV Jireh docked at Portland Harbour after being moored in the Little Russel for 11 days from Wednesday 13 November.

She had been at sea since 28 October, when she left the Norwegian port of Rubbestadneset.