200356 Close Encounter at MPC Buoy

Close Encounter at MPC Buoy
Report No. 200356

Own ship was bound for the N E Spit Pilot Station and due to cross the SW Lane at the MPC Buoy. SHIP 1 was making about the same speed as own ship and had been about 2 miles ahead for most of the Dover Strait transit. SHIP 1 originally had SHIP 2 ahead and had altered course to port , overtaking SHIP 2 close down her port side. Once past SHIP 2, SHIP 1 altered course to starboard and then appeared to head off to pass East of the Sandettie Bank.

Meanwhile, own ship was overtaking SHIP 3 at a distance of 0.5nm. I altered course slightly to port to increase CPA to about 0.6nm. SHIP 4 must have spotted this as she passed between us. By this time SHIP 2 had crossed own ship's bow and was almost abeam of the MPC Buoy. I advised Dover Coastguard of the proximity of SHIP 4 and then noticed that SHIP 2 had altered to starboard and was re-crossing my bow at about 0.9nm ahead. I swung to port to cross her stern as SHIP 4 was beside me to starboard. A minute or so later I was clear of the MPC Buoy and continued my turn to cross the SW Lane. None of the other ships crossed the SW Lane.