Detained in Port Vila harbour since it was seized in July over an alleged smuggling and forgery operation, the super yacht Phocea is to be released now that Harry Iauko, the Minister of Public Utilities for the Government of the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu has signed a deed of release of one million Vatu, (US$11K)
The decision follows legal advise taken from the country’s Attorney General and Prosecution department who say that there is no longer a case in Court between the government and Pascal Anh Saken the owner of the 75 metre sailing yacht.
The forgery case against him was recently withdrawn by the court on the basis that he was not in Vanuatu.