Patrol boat RVS Takuare has been detained by authorities upon its arrival from Australia.

In a statement released yesterday afternoon, the Vanuatu Police Force confirmed that the matter is being treated as serious.

The Police Maritime Wing, led by Acting Maritime Commander, Superintendent Samson Miller, is working closely with maritime authorities to investigate the issue.

The official welcome ceremony for the ship, scheduled for today, has been postponed until further notice.

(more to come)