3 May 2013

Detained super yacht finally departs Vanuatu

1:45 pm on 3 May 2013

The controversial super yacht, the Phocea, has finally left Vanatu's capital after being detained for almost ten months.

The Daily Post newspaper reports that Customs officials were forced to let the schooner go upon orders by the government of Moana Carcasses.

The vessel, which is currently rented by the Vanuatu honorary consul Pascal Anh Quan Saken, was detained last July after it entered the country's waters without proper clearance.

Police and Customs officials inspected the vessel, suspecting it carried contraband.

Although no contraband was found, false documentation for the crew and boat sparked a series of legal issues which kept the Phocea in Vanuatu until yesterday.

In conjunction with the Ports authority, Customs officials had detained the boat due to its lack of legitimate registration, despite repeated efforts by the previous government to allow it to leave.

The Daily Post reports that unnamed Customs officials have voiced frustration at being forced to clear the vessel based on registration allegedly issued by the New York office of Vanuatu Maritime Services Limied.

The Phocea is reportedly bound for Noumea.