Five crewmembers from the product tanker Scot Bremen were apprehended after the ship’s master uncovered their involvement in concealing narcotics onboard, operator Scot Tankers confirmed. The incident adds new details to a drug seizure initially reported by Belgian authorities earlier in the month.
The Scot Bremen arrived off the coast of Ostend, Belgium, following a voyage from Pecem, Brazil. While awaiting a pilot for port entry, the vessel’s master discovered that five crewmembers were hiding suspicious packages onboard. Acting swiftly, he canceled the pilot boarding, alerted Belgian authorities, isolated the suspects, and confiscated their cell phones.
Due to adverse weather conditions, police were unable to immediately board the anchored vessel. The tanker remained offshore overnight before proceeding to Zeebrugge on the evening of 23 June, where Belgian customs officials conducted a search and seized a “significant quantity” of cocaine.
Five crewmembers were arrested, while the master was questioned as a witness but was released without charges. Authorities praised the captain for his prompt reporting, evidence preservation, and cooperation with the investigation.
Scot Tankers arranged for replacement crew to join the vessel, allowing the Scot Bremen to resume its commercial voyage to Zelzate, Belgium. The company continues to assist Belgian authorities in the ongoing smuggling investigation.
In a related development, eight additional suspects were arrested on 29 June in Blankenberge, Belgium, after allegedly attempting to launch a boat near the Scot Bremen’s anchorage. Local media reports suggest they were trying to retrieve the smuggled drugs. Belgian news agency Belga stated that the men are being held on suspicion of organized criminal activity as the probe continues.
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