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Shipspotters all over the world => Shipping News and information => Topic started by: Magogman on June 27, 2012, 02:53:11 PM

Title: Villa D'Aquarius seized by U.S. officials
Post by: Magogman on June 27, 2012, 02:53:11 PM

The cargo ship Villa D'Aquarius has been seized in Newark, NJ by U.S. officials after a preliminary inspection of the ship revealed what was thought to be voices in one of the containers.  This is being reported by www.yahoo.com Wed. July 26.  Given the circumstances officials believed the ship may be involved in smuggling aliens into the U.S.  The suspect container was not readily accessible and the ship was immediately docked in Newark, NJ to remove the overlying containers.

Title: Re: Villa D'Aquarius seized by U.S. officials
Post by: Jens Boldt on June 27, 2012, 08:50:17 PM

Hi Dave, the light from my flashlight isn't too bright as the batteries are rather low meanwhile and so it's rather dark here in this container...
Did you write VillA D'Aquarius? Can't find a ship with that name. So maybe it's VillE D'Aquarius? I hope it is, otherwise I entered the wrong container...:-O

Cheers,
Jens

Title: Re: Villa D'Aquarius seized by U.S. officials
Post by: Magogman on June 28, 2012, 12:44:42 AM

Just for that I will make them wait a day or two before the open the container and you can start your US vacation. ;D

Title: Re: Villa D'Aquarius seized by U.S. officials
Post by: Magogman on June 28, 2012, 12:52:37 AM

Jens - the two news reports I read had the ship as a Cyprus flagged Villa D' Aquarius.  That does not mean it couldn't be Ville D'Aquarius.

The latest report I read stated that the ship began its voyage in the United Arab Emirates, made two stops in India, one of which was Mundra on June 7 where the suspect container was loaded, then made a stop in Pakistan, then Egypt before proceeding to Newark.  The container was destined for Norfolk, Virginia, the ship's next stop.

That is a long time to be in a container.

Title: Re: Villa D'Aquarius seized by U.S. officials
Post by: Jens Boldt on June 28, 2012, 07:42:55 AM

Dave, we'll have to talk about the extra two days when they've finally opened up my container... ;D

I've looked up the AIS-signal of Ville D'Aquarius (IMO 9125607) (http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1541355)
It must be this one. She's currently berthed in the Elizabeth Channel at Newark, right in front of Newark Liberty International Airport...

Title: Re: Villa D'Aquarius seized by U.S. officials
Post by: Magogman on June 28, 2012, 02:01:26 PM

You are right Jens; today the ship is reported as the Ville D'Aquarius;  so much for the media striving for accuracy.

So far the latest report is 150 containers have been checked with no stowaways. 

Once you get out of jail I will be glad to pick you up!