Pirates have seized a Greek chemical tanker with 20 crew members on board near Somalia, say maritime officials.
The tanker is said to have been hijacked by armed pirates in the Gulf of Aden.
Noel Choong, of the International Maritime Bureau, says the ship was sailing from south east Asia to the Suez Canal when it was seized.
In a separate incident, pirates attempted to board a World Food Programme ship off Mogadishu but the captain took "anti-piracy" action and managed to escape.
The hijacking brings the number of attacks in Somali waters to 69 this year, despite US-led patrols to curb the pirates.
A total of 27 ships have been hijacked in the attacks and 11 remain in the hands of the pirates along with more than 200 crew members.
The hijacks include that of Ukranian ship MV Faina and 20 crew members last month.
The US Navy is in contact with the pirates, who have demanded a ransom of £11m for their release.
Half a dozen US warships are surrounding the vessel and a Russian warship is said to be on its way to the area.
Meanwhile, other bandits have released 15 Filipino seamen and four other crewmen seized when a Japanese-operated chemical tanker was hijacked two months ago.
Somalia's government has given foreign powers the freedom to use force against the pirates, raising the stakes significantly.
The tanker is said to have been hijacked by armed pirates in the Gulf of Aden.
Noel Choong, of the International Maritime Bureau, says the ship was sailing from south east Asia to the Suez Canal when it was seized.
In a separate incident, pirates attempted to board a World Food Programme ship off Mogadishu but the captain took "anti-piracy" action and managed to escape.
The hijacking brings the number of attacks in Somali waters to 69 this year, despite US-led patrols to curb the pirates.
A total of 27 ships have been hijacked in the attacks and 11 remain in the hands of the pirates along with more than 200 crew members.
The hijacks include that of Ukranian ship MV Faina and 20 crew members last month.
The US Navy is in contact with the pirates, who have demanded a ransom of £11m for their release.
Half a dozen US warships are surrounding the vessel and a Russian warship is said to be on its way to the area.
Meanwhile, other bandits have released 15 Filipino seamen and four other crewmen seized when a Japanese-operated chemical tanker was hijacked two months ago.
Somalia's government has given foreign powers the freedom to use force against the pirates, raising the stakes significantly.
