Oceania Cruises has just reported that while its 30,000-ton, 700-passenger cruise ship, Nautica, was transiting through the Gulf of Aden it was approached by two small skiffs attempting to intercept the ship with criminal intent.

On November 30, 2008, at approximately 9:28 a.m. local time, as the ship was within the prescribed Maritime Safety Protection Area patrolled by international anti-piracy task forces, two small skiffs were sighted by the Officer on Duty and deemed potentially hostile.

The skiffs, approaching from a range of approximately 1000 meters, attempted to intercept the vessel’s course. Captain Jurica Brajcic and his officers immediately began evasive maneuvers, taking all prescribed precautions. NAUTICA was immediately brought to full speed and was able to outrun the two skiffs. One of the skiffs managed to get close enough in the range of approximately 300 yards and fired eight rifle shots in the direction of the vessel before trailing off. No one aboard NAUTICA was harmed and no damage was sustained.

The vessel, sailing in the protected zone, had sailed past several groups of non-hostile fishing vessels. They had no reason to believe they were in any danger although they were maintaining a vigilent watch, which enabled them to outrun the potential attackers.

All guests and crew onboard are safe and there were no injuries. All requisite international authorities have been notified and all anti-piracy precautions were in place prior to the event and all necessary measures were taken during the event.

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