Suspicious Approach 110nm SSE Takoradi

Reporting indicates that the fishing vessel AGNES 1 (IMO: 7437202) has been chased by a speed boat carrying 8-10 persons onboard. The Agnes 1 undertook evasive manoeuvres and the speedboat left.

It is unclear whether the speedboat has left the area.All vessels transiting the area are advised to observe increased vigilance. 

Analysis indicates that the vessel FV AGNES 1 IMO: 7437202 was approached and chased by a speedboat carrying 8-10 persons.  The vessel is understood to have conducted evasive manoeuvres, during which the speedboat stopped chasing. The vessel is understood to be safe and continuing on her way.

The nature of the approach remains unclear at this stage. This far there have been no pervious incidents of vessels boarded within this area despite an increase in reported activity within this area. This is the 5th incident offshore in Ghanaian waters in 2020, all of which have occurred 50-120nm offshore, 4 of which have been suspicious approaches and 1 incident of kidnapping. 

This latest incident is understood to have occurred in the vicinity of an approach incident involving another vessel by skiff containing 6-7 persons on the 22nd September 2020. 

The Ghanaian navy is currently working locate the speedboat.