Contact report 1:

Large skiff attempts to apprehend crude carrier
(Note: This report has been edited to protect anonymity)

1305 - Suspect vessel (skiff with large outboard motor ) approached at high speed to crude carrier's port side. 6/8 Pirates onboard. Aluminium ladders sighted.

1305 - Coalition alerted of suspect vessel

1305 - Code yellow announced by Captain via GA. All MAST Team stood-to.

1310 - Suspect vessel manoeuvred to starboard side, where MAST Team deployed flares which initially slowed them down. SAF was heard by MAST Team who were deployed on the bridge wings to observe target. CODE red was announced.

1314 - More SAF was heard coming from the skiff now approx 50m off starboard quarter side. MAST team fired flares into the air and at the skiff. Captain instigated evasive manoeuvres and sounded the ships horn continuously.

1315 - 1 x pirate observed loading RPG. Warning shouted

1316 - RPG was fired into the area of the bridge and airburst approx 50m forward of the bridge stack 100ft above the deck. Firer missed target undoubtedly because of sea swell.

1318 - Skiff manoeuvres towards starboard midship where same firer was seen reloading RPG. Second warning was shouted to crew to take cover inside the bridge.

1319 - Skiff manoeuvres approx 10m just in front of the starboard pilot with ladder apparently considering to board. Skiff then moves slowly away from the carrier. Assumption that pirates on inspection were deterred by defences.

1320 - MAST team selectively fired remainder of flares at the skiff. During incident OOW reported skiff position and ongoing attack to coalition forces (30 minutes towards our location).

1321 - Coalition warship sighted heading towards our positon at speed approx 8nm to our forward portside.

1323 - Skiff aborted attack and headed due North at speed.

'Since 2008 we have been involved in the vessel protection of over 245 transits and 280 ships between Djibouti, Salalah and many other ports in the region'