5 vessels detained by HM Customs in 2 days
Reports reaching Virgin Islands News Online stated that vessels were detained by HM Customs on Tuesday July 19, 2016 and Wednesday July 20, 2016 at two locations on Tortola.
This information was subsequently confirmed by Commissoner of Customs, Mr Wade Smith.
"Between Tuesday and Wednesay, a total of five boats have been detained, four in the Village Cay area and one in Soper's Hole," Mr Smith stated.
According to the Commissioner of Customs, the vessels appeared to be in violation of the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act, cruising without a license and cruising without a permit.
"We are still investigating the matter so they are currently detained, so yes your information is true," Mr Smith confirmed.
Operation has been yielding results
Ever since HM Customs heightened its operations against defaulting companies, boat captains and other vessel operators, several fines have been meted out.
Last month a charter company was lapped with a $95,000 fine while another, a “big charter company” was fined $25, 000.
Mr Smith previously said that over the past six months there have been a number of charter agencies and persons acting as agents for charter companies that were put on the firing line and charged, having been found defaulting in their compliances also.
23 Responses to “5 vessels detained by HM Customs in 2 days”
one up on your wifi. fine them a billion dollars and then sink the sherlocks.