Tanker Burning off Khor Fakkan Had Shadow Fleet Ties
24 Crewmembers Rescued After Tanker Collision in Gulf of Oman
" An early analysis by maritime expert Prof. Sal Mercogliano suggests that as the two vessels neared each other in a crossing situation, one of them made a late turn to starboard instead of maintaining course and speed. He noted that the tanker had been subject to conspicuous AIS spoofing earlier in its voyage. "
May be the mate realised he will not make it crossing the bow of the stand on vessel and he realised too late as this size tankers do not turn on a dime . May be both mates had a conversation what resulted in misunderstanding . Innuendos suggesting the collision was attributable to GPS/AIS spoofing is a bit far fetched. If both mates relied on AIS info only in assesing if collision risk exists then may be they should start selling melons instead of navigating supertankers.