According to a report by GAC, mariners are advised that the master of the motor tanker Album reported being approached and fired upon by a skiff in position: Lat 26-24.4N, Long 056-41.8E in the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman, Sunday, March 30.
Six personnel onboard where reportedly sighted carrying machine guns, the advisory said, while the skiff closed range from five NM at approximately 20 kts. The NATO Shipping Centre (NSC) said the skiff came within five meters and fired two shots at the bridge and accommodation area before being repelled by the oil tanker's alarm and fire hoses. Procedures IAW BMP4 were conducted.
The skiff turned away from the ship's stern and traveled eastward after hearing the alarm. The ship and crew are reported to be safe.
GAC recommends vessels within the vicinity of this alert operate with a heightened level of security and report any suspicious activity to MSCHOA, UKMTO or MARLO.
