THE owner of a restored Maldon battleship has denied claims that it is off to fight Somali pirates after it was detained by authorities in Spain.
Former Royal Navy Lieutenant Chris Enmarsh has rubbished allegations that his British-owned Defender and its crew are intending to work as mercenaries along the East African coastline, after a visit from authorities at Santa Cruz port on the island of Tenerife.
Here's what Mr Enmarsh told the Essex Chronicle about his intentions for Defender back in 2011."All I have to say is that the vessel is not working in any form of piracy protection and is under the class of pleasure craft until such time as she does go to work in the future," Mr Enmarsh told The Chronicle.
"We can come and go to the UK whenever we like as it is the ship which is temporarily detained.
"We have to comply with having our life rafts and fire fighting systems upgraded, which we are doing now.
"Once that is done we are free to leave."
The ex-Omani Navy fast attack vessel was armed and modernised in 2011 at Fullbridge after languishing on the Blackwater estuary for three years.
Prior to launch it was fitted with two cannons on the decks, as well as two machine guns on each side, giving 360 degree coverage.
But the vessel was forced to make an unscheduled stop at the Spanish port last week after a problem with one of its generators.
A routine inspection revealed "administrative irregularities" with documentation, according to local government officials, and it has since been detained at the request of the local Maritime Authority.
Mr Enmarsh denies reports that the 127ft vessel, built in Lowestoft for the Sultan of Oman, is suspected of being used to ward off Somali pirates, despite statements made to the Chronicle in November 2011.
At the time he said: "Defender's task will be to deter pirates intent on boarding the many ships that pass the East African coastline. One look at her should be enough to send them looking for easier targets.
"She will be manned by handpicked ex-Royal Marine Commandos and run as a professional naval ship, obeying the rules of engagement.
"Our primary task will be to protect oil platforms which are towed close to the coast of East Africa, and a number of oil companies want to hire Defender to look after their interests.
"We are not mercenaries; this is strictly a business venture similar to other British private protection firms which operate in Iraq and Afghanistan."
However, the ex-Navy man claims these plans had since changed.
He said: "Over time the objectives have changed and I no longer wanted to go into any form of anti-piracy as that is actually in decline," he said.
The Maritime Authority in Santa Cruz has declined to comment.
