IMB has issued a general warning stating:
Warning - suspicious tug boat
The IMB PRC received the following information from ECOWAS MMCC ZONE F. Information received indicates that on 19.10.2021 at 0930 UTC an unknown suspicious tug boat was sighted in position: 01:50N – 001:11E about 239NM SSE of Tema, Ghana. The tug boat has no name and not transmitting AIS. The tug boat may be used as a pirate mother vessel. Description of the suspicious tug boat: approximately 24 m long looked rusty with black superstructure and white hull.
All vessels are advised to maintain vigilant anti-piracy watch and measures. Passing ships are advised to be cautious when transiting the above area. Early assessment / detection will allow ships to take evasive measures to prevent boarding and request for assistance. Report all attacks and suspicious sightings to local authorities and to the IMB PRC as per IMO circular 1334.
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