A Turkish-flagged Feyza Genc tanker has escaped from Maltese waters despite being slapped with a warrant of arrest over thousands in unpaid fuel costs. The vessel is currently steaming east of Crete.

The First Hall of the Civil Court issued a warrant of arrest on Friday after Cassar Fuel Ltd reported that it is owed €45,817.80 in fuel costs. Transport Malta was informed about the arrest warrant.

The 90 metre vessel was at the time anchored off Malta’s east coast, in what is known as Bunkering Area 3 but the crew hoisted the anchors and the vessel set sail for Turkey sometime in the past few hours.