As a precautionary measure, the ship's Master "implemented aggressive maneuvering at 1945 local time, " before contact was made with the EU Coalition Task Force -- which monitors a protected shipping corridor in the Gulf of Aden -- and passengers were requested to assemble in safe havens.
The pirates repeatedly attempted to reach the ship, firing at it with rocket-propelled grenades, but the Master performed zig-zag manoeuvres and successfully evaded boarding.
As a testament to the skills required for the job, all marine pilots must hold a Master Class 1 Certificate, which essentially allows one to captain a ship of any size, anywhere.