Suspicious Activity - Red Sea

Description

A Tanker underway in the Red Sea was approached by up to seven persons aboard a high-speed craft flying a white flag. The craft closed to within 0.8NM of the vessel before the crew sounded the alarm and mustered. No weapons were observed on the approaching craft. The tanker's crew displayed gun-like objects on the vessel's railings as a deterrent measure. Upon observing these defensive displays, the suspicious craft abandoned its approach. The Tanker continued its transit without requiring assistance.

Key Findings

This incident demonstrates effective use of visible deterrent measures by the merchant vessel crew. The display of gun-like objects on the railings successfully discouraged the suspicious approach without escalating to actual confrontation. The white flag carried by the approaching craft is unusual and may have been intended to appear non-threatening or signal distress, though the close approach pattern suggests reconnaissance or probing behavior. The attackers' decision to withdraw upon seeing defensive preparations indicates they were likely seeking a soft target and were unprepared for resistance.

Recommendations

• Maintain visible security posture and deterrent displays when approached by unidentified craft
• Sound alarm and muster crew immediately upon detecting suspicious approaches within 2NM
• Continue transit at maximum safe speed while monitoring suspicious craft movements

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