Photo: Archives (Courtesy of VesselTracker)

The crew of the MV Arrilah-I, who were freed over the weekend after their vessel was hijacked, escaped their attackers by hiding in a specially prepared safe room as pirates repeatedly tried to force them out, it has emerged. The 21 sailors and three security guards remained secure in the stronghold, known as a citadel, despite the pirates shooting at the entrance and pumping in smoke to cut off their oxygen. They had breathing apparatuses, food and water and could control the ship and communicate with nearby vessels and aircraft. The safe room and other defence precautions, including regular anti-piracy emergency drills, were key to keeping the crew safe until UAE and US forces stormed the ship on Saturday.