MDAT GoG report indicates that an MV reported a suspicious approach.
Approach
DTG
21 December 2020, 1008UTC
Position
03 31.15N 006 29.99E
Location
65nm SW Bonny
Vessel Dimensions
183.91 x 25.3 m
Vessel Type
Container Ship
Source Confidence Level
High
Incident Overview
MDAT GoG report indicates that an MV reported a suspicious approach. Small craft came to within 0.3nm, then reduced speed and withdrew following a warning shot from security personnel. Vessel and crew are safe.
Dryad Analysis
Analysis indicates that the vessel targeted was the containership MSC ELSA 3 inbound Port Harcourt from Lomé.
This the 4th offshore incident this year and the third recorded approach. Total incidents throughout West Africa in 2020 showed a partial increase of 12% on those of 2019. Incidents involving failed approaches showed a significant increase within 2020 with 25 such incidents recorded against 10 in 2019.