Pirates have hijacked a Greek chemical tanker in the Gulf of Aden, TradeWinds is told.

Elmira Tankers’ 11,600-dwt Liquid Velvet (built 1994) has become the first ship to be captured in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) for more than a year.

“This is a departure from the norm and a cause for concern,” said one piracy expert.

The Liquid Velvet was attacked by pirates in a single skiff as it sailed from Suez to India yesterday, sources say.

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