Rogue vessel escapes from Gambian control

Rogue vessel escapes from Gambian control    The International Chamber of Commerce warned shippers that a cargo theft ring is operating a rogue ship again in African waters after stealing past authorities in Banjul, Gambia.
   The organization's Maritime Bureau said the 'Ciuta' was seized earlier this year after authorities received a tip that the North Korean-flagged vessel had changed its name at sea and diverted its cargo of cement to Banjul instead of delivering it to a buyer in Guinea. Two armed naval guards were stationed around-the-clock on the ship, but the ship escaped in the pre-dawn hours of Oct. 25 with one of the guards still onboard.
   An organized Lebanese group allegedly operates the 'Ciuta' and another ship in the Eastern Mediterranean, and along the North African and West African coasts. Shippers are attracted by bargain freight rates. Since September 2002 at least two shipments have been discharged under false documentation in the Syrian port of Lattakia.
   The ICC predicted the 'Ciuta' will be renamed, re-flagged and return to cargo theft operations.