Hijacked tanker MT Joaquim found but cargo worth RM1.2 million missing

The missing oil tanker MT Joaquim was found in Indonesian waters today at 8.45am, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said.

The tanker which was reported missing since Saturday, was found 14 nautical miles to the east of the Rupat Island, Indonesia.

However, the cargo of 3,500 metric tonnes of marine fuel oil were missing.

MMEA deputy-director general (operations) ‎Maritime Vice-Admiral Datuk Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar estimated the missing cargo to be worth of RM1.2 million.

He said there were ten crew members onboard when the tanker was reported missing - nine Indonesians and one Singaporean.

He said search aircraft Bombardier CL 415 located the tanker which was 1.5 nautical miles outside Malaysian waters.

The tanker was sailing to Pulau Langkawi, Kedah from Tanjung Pinang, Indonesia when it was hijacked.

Ahmad Puzi said this is the first robbery reported since 2014 in the Malaysian waters at the Straits of Malacca.

Earlier the tanker has been reported missing, allegedly hijacked off Selangor waters.

The tanker is undergoing repair works at the current location before it will be brought back to the republic, he said.

Ahmad Puzi said they are not ruling out inside job in the hijacking, adding that the tanker's management will also be probed.

The search operation, among others deployed 10 speed boats and two aircrafts owned by MMEA together with military forces from neighboring countries.

Two of the injured crew members are seeking medical attention at Malacca Hospital.