( CNN ) -- An Ethiopian-flagged vessel fought off a pirate attack in the Gulf of Aden earlier this week , the multi-national anti-piracy task force said Thursday . The MV Andinet , part of the Ethiopian Shipping Line , was approached by two pirate skiffs Monday , with one of them coming close enough to fire automatic weapons in an attempt to force the ship to stop , the task force said in a statement . But the vessel 's crew used anti-piracy measures -- including firing flares in the air and utilizing fire hoses , as well as `` evasive maneuvering '' -- to repel the pirates , Combined Maritime Forces said . After a distress call was sent out , the USS Farragut , a U.S. Navy destroyer assigned to the task force , deployed her SH-80 helicopter to follow the skiffs , and the USS Porter gave chase as well , the task force said . `` A boarding team from the USS Farragut subsequently stopped and boarded the pirate skiffs , but only an empty magazine and used rounds were found on board . '' `` The MV Andinet once against demonstrated that even basic preventive measures can save a crew from a successful pirate attack , '' said Commodore Tim Lowe of Britain 's Royal Navy , deputy commander of the Combined Maritime Forces . `` Although there is ( a ) significant international naval presence in the Gulf of Aden , these warships can not be everywhere and may not always be close at hand to prevent an attack . '' The incident occurred about 145 miles east of Aden , Yemen . The task force advocates that commercial and civilian vessels in the region implement anti-piracy measures such as maintaining a 24-hour lookout , traveling in convoys and using high-intensity lighting .
MV Andinet , part of the Ethiopian Shipping Line , was approached by two pirate skiffs Monday . Crew used anti-piracy measures -- including firing flares and evasive maneuvering -- to repel pirates . Warships from international anti-piracy task force gave chase but only found empty skiff .