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On a dark night in the Dover Straits in October 1974, I was on the wheel of a 76 ft yacht, Orcella, heading West. We were ketch rigged, with a very tall mainmast that had a large reflector as well as lots of other stuff that would have sent back a decent echo, as well as a pretty powerful set of navigation lights including the obligatory one on the stern. We had the Radar working, and I noticed a large echo dead astern, and closing. We were motoring at around 10 knots, (twin diesel motors,) and I had to take evasive action as the freighter overtook us, without altering course, or even signalling that we were possibly hampering his progress.
I think some vessels just don't bother keeping a proper lookout in restricted waters.
"Full ahead and damn the consequences."
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