An automobile carrier operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines was attacked by pirates off Somalia but managed to escape, the transport ministry said Monday.

Pirates in two small vessels approached the ship Sunday and fired several shots before escaping, the ministry said.

The windows and ceiling of the bridge of the Jasmine Ace were hit by bullets, but no one was hurt, the ministry said. Registered in the Cayman Islands — a British territory — the ship has a crew of 18, all Filipinos.