It was as close to mutiny as you can get when 13 Portuguese naval personnel refused to take part in a naval mission in the Maritime Zone of Madeira. Four NCOs and nine seamen refused to sail due to an engine malfunction of the NRP Mondego, claiming that the ship was seriously damaged.
The Navy confirmed in a statement that 13 of the ship’s military personnel assigned to the Madeira Maritime Zone “refused to occupy their posts in preparation for the start of a mission on the evening of March the 11th.
During the day, a serious fault with the ship’s engine was identified. Warships are complex and often outdated vessels and apparently can operate with very degraded onboard systems without danger to the crew! Despite naval authorities stating that the ship was safe to sail, part of the crew thought otherwise.
The incident is under investigation, and the crew are confined to their onboard barracks and are being questioned. Those found guilty risk being court marshalled for insubordination.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
