With over two decades of experience in the Panamanian maritime sector, Engineer Pablo E. Torres Chong has issued a statement regarding recent publications by the digital outlet 'FOCO' and other media. The articles mentioned the vessel Oceanic Tug, prompting the need for clarification. Torres Chong stated that he has had no connection to the mentioned vessel since 2023. The vessel was sold on March 22, 2023, after completing all corresponding legal formalities. He also confirmed that the vessel was removed from the Public Registry of Ships of Panama, a procedure documented in the official archives of the Panama Maritime Authority. Therefore, since that date, he has had no relationship of ownership, operation, administration, or representation concerning said vessel, nor the activities or facts currently mentioned in the cited publications. Torres Chong deeply regrets the dissemination of inaccurate and unverified information, which has caused confusion and unjustly affected his name and reputation. He considers it a victory, like any Panamanian would, that the authorities have been able to deliver such a decisive blow that will save many human lives. He reiterated his commitment to transparency, compliance with the law, and the ethical values that have always guided his personal and professional conduct. This statement is issued with the sole purpose of clarifying the facts and disassociating himself from any present or future liability related to the vessel.
