MSC Suspicious Approach – 65nm SW Bonny

MDAT GoG report and Dryad Reports 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.

Analysis indicates that the vessel targeted was the containership MSC ELSA 3 inbound Port Harcourt from Lomé. 

This the 4^th 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.

We advise all master, owners and operators to installed enhanced primary hardening measures. By installed the ARX ABaC System market leading Anti-Piracy Barriers and the ARX Evictor Water Cannon you will prevent a boarding taking place as opposed to the traditional methods.