While the ship was en route to Mombasa, Kenya, the master noticed via the radar a suspicious vessel without approved identification system (AIS) at his vessel’s port bow. The master monitored the suspicious vessel although it did not appear to show any signs of attempt to come near the ship.
About 20 min later, the 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 of ship, adjusted his course and closely monitored the suspicious vessel. The general alarm was sounded and all crew were notified. The crew closed all access to the accommodation, started fire pump and activated anti-piracy watch. The suspicious vessel subsequently stopped its pursuit. The suspicious vessel was believed to be the mother vessel as there was a small boat sighted near it.
At about 1246 hrs (local time), the master reported sighting of a second suspicious vessel on its starboard bow. However, the vessel did not show signs of attempt to come near the ship. The crew checked the surrounding and four hours later, the ship was cleared of suspicious vessels.The crew was not injured.
The master increased speed of ship, adjusted course and closely monitored the suspicious vessel. The general alarm was sounded and all crew were notified. The crew closed all access to the accommodation, started fire pump and activated anti- piracy watch.
Source : ReCAAP
