Dr. Vladimir Vladimirov, a maritime lawyer founder of Vladimirov, Kirilova, Bonchovski & Co Law Office, commented on the case of the vessel VEZHEN seized in Sweden for Bulgarian National TV. He indicated that the data coming from the Bulgarian Maritime Fleet Shipping Company sound credible. According to him, there is a certain amount of logic in them and we must comply with it. Vladimirov emphasized that the evidence in the case is of utmost importance.
First of all, this is the ship’s logbook, which is irrefutable written evidence, in which it is impossible not to record what happened on the ship, what the meteorological conditions were during the voyage. Second, the navigation chart should show what the course was, how and where the ship passed and under what conditions she moved. This evidence should have been taken away by the Swedish authorities or at least copied. Regarding the claim that the weather was bad, objective reports from international meteorological stations in the area will be requested.
Vladimirov added that the captain’s explanations will be heard or have already been heard.
At least 4 investigations will be carried out. The first will be by the Swedish authorities. Then, an inspection and analysis of the situation will be carried out by the Maltese Maritime Administration, under whose flag the ship is sailing. A mandatory investigation will be carried out by the ship’s insurer. An internal investigation of the Bulgarian Maritime Fleet Shipping Company will also be carried out.”
He expressed the opinion that an indictment will hardly be forthcoming, given the data available and which do not prove a causal link for guilt. Vladimirov added that the ship could be detained, “but arresting and detaining the crew, respectively the ship’s command staff, at the moment is inadmissible and he assumes that it has not been done.
Vladimirov stressed the importance of preparing and certifying a maritime protest by the captain.
You can see the full video here:
