The U.S. District Court for the Northern Marianas has ordered the sale of controversial cargo ship M/V Luta, citing its expensive upkeep and the delay in securing its release.
Designated judge Frances M. Tydingco-Gatewood approved the vessel's sale with a minimum bid amount of $US550,000 and ordered the US Marshal to sell the ship on 8 February.
Japanese investor Takahisa Yamamoto is suing Lt. Gov. Victor Hocog and the owner/operators of M/V Luta for allegedly refusing to pay back the $3.4 million that he put up for the vessel.
The defendants in the lawsuit have suggested that a sale would be unnecessary if the vessel were released into their custody.
