Late Report: Suspicious Approach, Indian Ocean (Feb. 11th)

LATE Report | Whilst en route to Mombasa, Kenya, master of Singapore-flagged container ship noticed via the radar a suspicious vessel without AIS on vessel’s port bow at 1300 UTC in position 02:29.60S – 054:09E, approx 145nm from Mahe, Seychelles. Master monitored suspicious vessel although it did not appear to show any signs of attempt to come near the ship. About 20 mins later, suspicious vessel started to move at small angle, followed by changing its course to starboard side and increased its speed and was sighted to approach the ship’s route. The master immediately increased speed, adjusted course and closely monitored the suspicious vessel. General alarm sounded and all crew were notified. Crew closed all access to the accommodation, started fire pump and activated anti-piracy watch. Suspicious vessel subsequently stopped its pursuit. Suspicious vessel believed to be the mother vessel as there was a small boat sighted nearby. Second suspicious vessel sighted on starboard bow at 1546 UTC. Reported 11 Feb. Via OCEANUSLive.org