Before the very eyes of the crew – seven Sri Lankans including the Captain and three Filipinos -- a fishing vessel called a dow that had been captured by the pirates lowered a skiff and slowly but surely began gaining on the Charelle while targeting it with automatic fire and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). During a pirate attack all crew members “muster” on the bridge. Even as the ship went into evasive manoeuvres, three RPGs whooshed overhead, missed the vessel and fell into the water. The manoeuvres slow the engine and drop the speed and Anton and the Electrical Engineer were making their way down to the engine room when the fourth RPG hit.

A trumpeting elephant welcomes you into Yala National Park’s museum. Triggered by a sensor that notes your entrance, a player runs through the gamut of animal sounds from the forest as a leopard growls and deer bark. Imprinted clearly into the cement floor are leopard pug marks, accurately placed to reflect the big cat’s stride. Along the walls are beautiful new cases filled with everything from skulls to skin to spoor, all of which are accompanied by explanations and interesting facts. If you’ve had the chance to visit the old museum, you’re bound to be amazed by the difference.