Suspicious Approach - UKMTO-IO #111

Date: 27th March 2020

Location: 261100N, 0543100E

ADVISORY NOTICE 004/MAR/2020 On 27 March at 1226 UTC in position 2611N 05431E (TUNB-FARUR EASTBOUND TSS). A MT was approached by 2 Skiffs, 5-6 POB, with a ladder raised. MT took evasive measures. MT IS SAFE. VESSELS TRANSITING THE AREA ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION

Advisory - UKMTO-IO #110

Date: 8th March 2020

Location: 122200N, 0435709E

REF: UKMTO has received numerous reports of skiff sightings in position: 1222.03N 04357.09E (IVO IRTC Point A).

Advisory - UKMTO-IO #109

Date: 3rd March 2020

Location: 141806N, 0522918E

Ref: ADVISORY NOTICE 002/MAR/2020 Update Number 2 UPDATE: INCIDENT A Merchant Vessel in Position: 14-18.06N 052-29.18E. (In Vicinity Point Bravo of the IRTC) at 1020UTC on 3rd March was closed by 3 small craft. 1 of these craft was unmanned and approached the vessel to extreme close quarters. This approach caused no damage, nor were any crew members injured. The Merchant Vessel and crew are safe. The early indications are that the unmanned craft was probably remote controlled. The details of the incident remains under investigation. All vessels are encouraged to exercise Extreme Caution when transiting this area, and report any unusual sightings/observations to UKMTO as soon as possible. Ref: ADVISORY NOTICE 002/MAR/2020 Update UPDATE: INCIDENT A Merchant Vessel in Posn. 1418.06N 05229.18E. (in Vicinity Point Bravo of the IRTC) at 1020utc on 3rd March was closed by 3 small craft. 1 of the craft was unmanned and approached the vessel to extreme close quarters. The Vessel followed BMP5 procedures and all of the small craft withdrew. The details of the incident remains under investigation. All vessels are encouraged to exercise Extreme Caution when transiting this area, and report any unusual sightings/observations to UKMTO as soon as possible. Ref: Advisory 002/Mar/2020 UKMTO have received reports of a concentration of fishing vessels (some unmanned) in vicinity of 1418.06N 05229.18E (Point Bravo of the IRTC).

Suspicious Approach - UKMTO-IO #108

Date: 1st March 2020

Location: 244300N, 0573800E

REF: ADVISORY NOTICE 001/MAR/2020 A merchant vessel has reported a suspicious approach at 0806UTC on the 1st Mar in posn 24 43.07N – 057 38.54E (in The Gulf of Oman). 2 skiffs approached and circled the vessel. A Coalition Warship was in the vicinity and on its approach the 2 skiffs departed. Vessel and crew are safe.

Suspicious Approach - UKMTO-IO #107

Date: 25th February 2020

Location: 121300N, 0440600E

REF: WARNING NOTICE 003/FEB/2020: on 25th February 2019 at approximately 10:40UTC an MV was approached in position 12.13N 044.06E by 3 SKIFFS.

Suspicious Approach - UKMTO-IO #106

Date: 22nd February 2020

Location: 121000N, 0433118E

REF: WARNING 002/FEB 2020 On 22nd Feb 2020 at 0748UTC, an MV in position: 1210.0N 04331.3E reports a suspicious approach by 11 skiffs with 4-5 POB, ladders sighted. Warning shots fired.

Suspicious Approach - UKMTO-IO #105

Date: 20th February 2020

Location: 132700N, 0494200E

A merchant vessel has reported a suspicious approach at 1824 UTC on the 20th Feb, by 3 skiffs in posn 1327N – 04942E (in vicinity of the IRTC) to within a range of 1NM. Situation still ongoing.

Notices - UKMTO-IO #103

Date: 24th January 2020

Location: 254902N, 0532506E

REF: UKMTO NOTICE 004 JAN 2020 UKMTO is issuing this Notice to global maritime operators in order to remind mariners and ship operators of the recommended procedures for transiting the Strait of Hormuz. BMP5 remains the basis for merchant ship conduct, reporting and monitoring in the area. In addition vessels and companies will need to be aware of their own Flag State guidance. All vessels are strongly advised to remain within International Waters and, where practicable, should avoid transiting through Iranian TTW, including the areas claimed by Iran around the islands of: • Abu Musa, 250 52’ N 550 02’E • Greater Tunb 260 15’N 550 16’E • Lesser Tunb 260 14’N 550 08’E In the event of merchant vessels being hailed masters should respond with ship’s name, flag state and confirm that they are proceeding in accordance with International Law. If contacted by Iranian authorities, it is recommended that masters contact UKMTO. UKMTO recommends all merchant shipping maintain transmissions on AIS throughout the region to avoid mis-identification and to assist with merchant shipping monitoring.