The US Coast Guard is to conduct a thorough investigation of a Panamanian flagged car carrier today after a number of stowaways were found onboard when it docked at Jackonsville on Thursday.
Three Nigerians were found to have been onboard the Petra (17,995 dwt; built 1985). The ship, owned by Sallaum Lines from the United Arab Emirates, started out from Nigeria on August 7.
Authorities said the three stowaways were on the ship for a fortnight before being spotted by the crew at which point one jumped overboard and the other two clung to the side of the vessel.
A Victory casino cruise passing by spotted the person in the water and brought him to safety.
The three are now being treated for dehydration and sun exposure at a local hospital. Once recovered they will be deported.
