Suspicious Skiff Reported NE of Socotra Island
The U.S. Navy Maritime Liaison Office in Bahrain has advised that the Master of a merchant vessel reported being approached by a suspicious skiff north-east of Socotra Island, in position 13.14.20 N/056.34.10 E on or about 1530 UTC on Saturday (5 April).
The skiff closed within 2 NM of the vessel. Procedures IAW BMP4 were successfully conducted, and a coalition vessel in the area safely escorted the vessel until the skiff moved out of range.
It is recommended vessels in the vicinity operate with a heightened level of security and report any suspicious activity to MSCHOA, UKMTO or MARLO.
GAC
