Malaysia Detains Chinese Ship Suspected of Plundering World War II Wrecks

Malaysian authorities have detained the Chinese dredger MV Chuan Hong 68 and its entire crew over alleged violations related to port clearances and the presence of 60 unregistered LPG containers. The vessel, known for its controversial history, is suspected of engaging in illegal salvage operations on two World War II Royal Navy shipwrecks off the coast of Johor last year.

According to a report by Maritime Executive, Malaysian officials have emphasized that the detention is primarily due to administrative lapses rather than direct charges of illegal scavenging. This incident has sparked widespread concern across Southeast Asia, prompting investigations into how MV Chuan Hong 68 was granted permits for salvage operations despite its questionable reputation.

The salvage operations in question targeted the wreckages of MV Armada in February and another vessel identified as “Maritime Fidelity” in September of last year. Sources indicate that the dredger allegedly plundered valuable metals such as steel, aluminum, and brass fittings from these historic sites, which are prized for their pre-nuclear era origins and specialized manufacturing applications.

During an inspection in May 2023, authorities discovered rusting artillery shells and scrap believed to originate from the sunken warships aboard MV Chuan Hong 68. Subsequent investigations led to the confiscation of two cannons and additional ordnance from a nearby junkyard, reinforcing suspicions of illicit salvaging activities.

Concerns have been raised regarding the deletion of “notices to mariners” from Malaysia’s maritime postings, crucial alerts that inform authorities of active salvage operations within territorial waters. Malaysian authorities, including the National Heritage Department, Maritime Enforcement Agency, and Marine Department, are actively involved in probing the issuance and subsequent removal of these permits.

This is not the first time MV Chuan Hong 68 has faced scrutiny; last year, Malaysian authorities detained the vessel under similar circumstances for allegedly disturbing the wreckage of the Royal Navy battleship HMS Prince of Wales and battlecruiser HMS Repulse. Both ships, tragically sunk during World War II by Japanese bombers, hold significant historical value and are considered war graves by the Royal Navy.

The illegal salvage operations have drawn international condemnation, with the Museum of the Royal Navy condemning the actions as “disgraceful” and highlighting the vulnerability of historic sites to plunder and desecration. The tragic loss of 840 crew members aboard the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse underscores the solemnity of preserving such sites as memorials to those who sacrificed their lives.

The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense previously dispatched survey vessels to monitor and protect these wrecks from illegal activities. However, reports suggest that MV Chuan Hong 68 may have been involved in similar unauthorized salvage operations involving Dutch warships in Indonesia, as well as in Singapore, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

As Malaysian authorities continue their investigation into MV Chuan Hong 68’s activities, concerns persist over the vessel’s recurrent presence in the vicinity of the Singapore Strait, often disappearing from marine tracking systems for extended periods. The New Straits Times has reported on the vessel’s repeated returns to the area, raising questions about its operational transparency and compliance with international maritime regulations.

The ongoing detention and investigation into MV Chuan Hong 68 serve as a stark reminder of the challenges in protecting maritime heritage and enforcing accountability in international waters. Southeast Asian nations, along with global maritime organizations, remain vigilant in safeguarding historical wrecks and preventing further desecration of these invaluable cultural and historical assets.