A Greek-owned cargo ship thought to have been hijacked by pirates off the coast of Yemen actually managed to avoid its attackers and is on its route to Pakistan, Greek officials said yesterday.

A Kenyan maritime official had said earlier that the Panama-flagged Red Sea Spirit had been seized by gunmen on two speedboats 36 nautical miles from the Yemeni port of Balhaf. However, the company that owns the bulk carrier, Sekur Holdings Inc, told the Greek Economy and Merchant Marine Ministry that the vessel had not been hijacked.

The firm said that pirates had approached the Red Sea Spirit last Monday but that the ship had escaped following a series of maneuvers.

Officials said that the ship was continuing its journey with all 22 Filipino sailors on board unhurt. The vessel is carrying a shipment of cement to Karachi.