The M/V "SAIGA" Case (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines v. Guinea), Prompt Release

On 13 November 1997, an Application under article 292 of the Convention was filed in the Registry of the Tribunal by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines instituting proceedings against Guinea. The Application dealt with a dispute concerning the prompt release of the M/V Saiga, an oil tanker flying the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which was arrested on 28 October 1997 by Guinean customs patrol boats and detained in Conakry, Guinea. The case was entered in the list of cases as Case No. 1.

By Order dated 13 November 1997, the President of the Tribunal fixed 21 November 1997 as the date for the opening of the hearing with respect to the Application.

Prior to the opening of the hearing, the Tribunal held initial deliberations on 20 November 1997.

By an Order of 21 November 1997, the Tribunal, upon the request of Guinea, postponed the continuation of the hearing until 27 November 1997.

On 26 November 1997, Guinea transmitted to the Tribunal its Statement in Response.

Two public sittings were held on 27 and 28 November 1997.  

On 4 December 1997, the Tribunal delivered its Judgment on the case.