25.07.2017 - IMB Report - Suspicious approach

REF: IMB/PRC/ALERT – 131/2017

251415 UTC JUL 2017

TO: ALL SHIPS TRANSITING RED SEA / GULF OF ADEN / OFF SOMALIA

UKMTO ADVISORY - SUSPICIOUS APPROACH

ON 25 JUL 17 AT 1230 UTC. A MERCHANT VESSEL WAS APPROACHED BY 9 WHITE HULLED SKIFFS, 10 POB IN EACH SKIFF IN POSN 14 53N 042 27E (BAB-EL- MANDEB STRAIT NORTH BOUND). THE SKIFFS CLOSED TO 2 CABLES AND LADDERS WERE SIGHTED. AST PRESENCE DETERRED. VESSEL IS CURRENTLY BEING FOLLOWED BY 5 SKIFFS.

VESSELS TRANSITING THE AREA ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION AND REMAIN VIGILANT. ADHERE TO THE LATEST BMP RECOMMENDATIONS.

ALL ATTACKS AND SUSPICIOUS SIGHTINGS SHOULD BE REPORTED.

IMB PIRACY REPORTING CENTRE

24 HOURS ANTI-PIRACY HELPLINE+603 2031 0014 FAX: +603 2078 5769

EMAIL: IMBnullKL@ICC-CCS.ORG //PIRnullACY@ICC-CCS.ORG