A bulker has evaded a pirate attack involving four boats off Iran.
The incident happened on 7 May, 12 nautical miles south-west of Bandar-e-Jask, the IMB's piracy reporting centre said.
The duty officer on the vessel, which was underway at the time, noticed three skiffs approaching.
A suspected mothership was also seen astern two miles away.
As the skiffs closed, the crew observed pirates holding ladders.
The alarm was raised, while the bulker increased speed and launched evasive manoeuvres.
The crew contacted the port of Ras al Khor, which alerted the Iranian navy.
As the ship changed course, the pursuing boats and the mothership followed.
About 20 minutes later, the Iranian navy called on the bulker to alter course again. The skiffs aborted the chase at this point.
The crew were said to be safe.
