Antigua’s government formally seized custody of a luxury yacht left deserted in its major harbor, allegedly evacuated by its fearful owner, more than a year after the US and Western nations levied sanctions on Russian billionaires related to the dictatorship of President Vladimir Putin.
Authorities claim they are eager to get rid of the 267-foot Alfa Nero because it has become a nuisance to the marina where it has been parked since Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine for over a year and is costing taxpayers millions of dollars to retain both the vessel and the crew that is on board. The ship’s sewage system is broken, which means that the crew just dumps garbage overboard to everyone else’s displeasure rather than properly disposing of it, according to boat owners whose yachts also use the harbor.
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After meeting with the men stuck on the vessel and their attorneys, Port Authority Manager Darwin Telemaque issued the crew legal paperwork of seizure and possession.
Prior to taking official action to seize the ships and get them ready for sale internationally, The government had to alter local law to permit such action and address other legal gaps in this historic case that might have thrown Antigua’s politics straight into the Cold War era. The proceeds from the sale, according to Prime Minister Gaston Browne, would go toward advancing the country. The United Progressive Party (UPP), the major opposition party, has advised him against doing so and suggested that money be put in escrow in case there are any unforeseen international events that might result in requests for payment in the near future. Browne also claims that the absence of insurance on the ship worries him. If a fire starts and other boats are harmed, nobody will be compensated, he claimed.
When it is formally placed on the auction market, the amount that officials claim they have already received in proposals, up to $80 million, may alter.
Port Authority Chief Telemaque remarks that until all concerns are resolved, the government still has to take a few more measures.
Reporters noted, “There are five things that we must do now, one is to resolve the issue of the crew which is our primary responsibility under international maritime law, and also because we have designated seafarers in Antigua as essential workers. When that is done, we will engage in the process of maintaining and sustaining the ship. Third, we will engage with security personnel. Fourth would be the flagging of the ship. The final component is to discuss the issue of liability insurance is very important for the vessel, marina, and the crew.”
