On 03 August 2017, at 2200UTC, a Merchant vessel was approached in psn 1648N 01651W (less than 30 NM shore Mauritanian coast) by a small vessel/craft claiming to be Mauritanian Navy who requested the MV to stop or they will fire. Evasive manoeuvring taken. MV and crew SAFE. Mariners are advised to exercise caution in this area.