A Landing Craft Approached Suspiciously in African Waters

Last updated on June 21st, 2020 at 01:23 pm

Whilst underway, the Marshall Island-flagged landing craft MV LAETITIA was approached by an unknown supply vessel without AIS and navigation light on June 16 (Tuesday).

The reported suspicious approach took place when MV LAETITIA was about 98 NM South of Port Gentil and about 30nm from the shore.

The MV LAETITIA adjusted her course and speed to establish the hostile intent, once confirmed, the vessel conducted evasive manoeuvres. The suspicious vessel remained in the vicinity of the MV LAETITIA for almost an hour before the threat reduced.

As per Dryad Global, a maritime security firm, this is the second report of a suspicious approach within 24 hours. A previous approach was recorded on the 16^th June 27 NM SE Sao Tome.

Details regarding the precise nature and intent of the ‘unknown vessel’ remains unclear. It is a realistic possibility that as a result of the lack of attack that the vessel held no hostile intent or involvement with intended acts of maritime crime. There are a large number of illicit vessels operating on coastal routes within West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. Aside from illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing there are a number of vessels involved in the trafficking of narcotics and other items. Such vessels are often ill maintained and poorly lit. Vessels such as this tend to operate in a manner different to wider legitimate commercial shipping and thus have the potential to increase the false alarm rate.

It however remains a realistic possibility that the vessel may have had an involvement in Piracy. Following on from the report of an approach against the tug vessel ARTIKE, SE Sao Tome, no further information was received. Until it can be confirmed otherwise, it remains a possibility that the ARTIKE could have been hijacked and is not being used as a mother vessel. The last AIS signal for the MV ARTIKE was recorded 5 days ago with no sign of the vessel since.