Suspicious Approach – 106nm South Cotonou

Reporting indicates that the Italian flagged Ro-Ro Cargo vessel MV Nigeria Grande has reported a suspicious approach 106nm South of Cotonou. Further reporting indicates that the vessel reported the presence of a small cargo vessel with two skiffs in tow.

The MV Nigeria Grande was able to increase her speed and was able to proceed without further incident.

All vessels in the area should remain highly vigilant as the threat remains.

The notable presence of a small cargo vessel with skiffs in tow is commensurate with the actions of a mother vessel as is the deep offshore location of the incident, however it should be noted that this activity is often indistinguishable from local fishing traffic and until further details are known it is unclear whether this vessel is acting in support of deep offshore piracy.

Analysis indicates that the Nigeria Grande on a southbound transit turned to Port before increasing speed. Sources have indicated that the vessel was able to estimate a CPA of zero, indicating that the vessels were on a collision course. Depending on the distance closed to this could explain how the Nigeria Grande was able to positively identify the vessel was towing skiffs in darkness.

All vessels in the area should remain highly vigilant as the threat remains.