Chinese ship unloads in Angola, no sign of arms

Chinese ship unloads in Angola, no sign of arms

DOOMED: The Chinese ship carrying Zimbabwean arms has attracted world attention after failing to unload its cargo in South Africa last week

• China may recall arms ship

• Zambia calls on African countries to repel Chinese ship

• US bids to block Chinese ship from unloading

• Chinese weapons ship sails to Mozambique

• SA union refuses to unload arms shipment

• Chinese vessel carrying Zim arms docks in Durban

• Chinese vessel delivering arms to Zimbabwe - claim

• Karoi army 'war' drill raises crackdown fears

• Zimbabwe's security chiefs issue threats on election eve

• Army threatens coup if Mugabe loses

• Civil servants strike looms as soldiers get windfall

• Police ask for more time in coup plot trial

• Kidnappers seize army commander's baby

• Zim prosecutors 'not ready' for coup trial

• New wheels for army, police bosses

• 'Coup plotters' have case to answer - court

• Mugabe hails army loyalty

A CHINESE ship carrying a cache of weapons destined for Zimbabwe has only unloaded construction equipment in Angola and not its consignment of arms, transport unions said on Tuesday.

The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), which has been tracking the ship's movements for weeks, said fellow trade unions in Luanda reported the An Yue Jiang unloading only cement and construction material.

"No attempt was made to offload any armaments and the ship sailed after taking on fuel and food," the ITF said in a statement.

"Trade unionists, including from the port workers' union, maintained a watch on the ship and what came off and went on it throughout its stay in port. The police were also present," the ITF said.

More than a week after disappearing, having failed to unload its cargo in South Africa, the Chinese vessel was spotted on Monday on its approach to Angola.

The An Yue Jiang, carrying 77t of arms and ammunition, gave maritime observers the slip late last month after switching off its transmitter in waters south of the Angolan port of Luanda, where it was authorised to dock, but not unload the arms.

The maritime intelligence unit (MIU) of insurer Lloyd’s of London confirmed it was able to spot the cargo vessel about 10km from Luanda late on Monday morning.

Mark Hankey, marketing director of Lloyd’s MIU, said: “Our information is that it entered the port at 6.10am before setting sail again at 7.25am at 9.8 knots heading west-southwest.”

However, the report is at odds with information obtained by the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC), which suggests the ship had not docked at all.

Nicole Fritz, a director at the SALC said: “Our information is that it is at outer anchorage off Luanda.”

JOIN THE DEBATE ON THIS ARTICLE ON THE NEWZIMBABWE.COM FORUMS
editor@newzimbabwe.com