Hijacked Chinese bulk carrier rescued
- Source: Global Times
- [08:36 December 28 2009]
- Comments
A hijacked Chinese bulk carrier and its 25 Chinese crew members were successfully rescued Monday, according to the Chinese Marine Search and Rescue Center.
After the rescue mission, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said that De Xin Hai, the hijacked vessel, has been under the protection of the Chinese naval escort fleet.
After the medical checkup of crew members and resupply of provisions, the fleet will escort the ship and the crew to a safe sea area, and then ensure their safe return to China as soon as possible, according to Jiang.
The Somali pirates claimed to have received $4 million in ransom, Reuters reported Sunday. So far there has been no response from China on this allegation.
The carrier, which belongs to Qingdao Ocean Shipping Co Ltd, was carrying about 76,000 tons of coal from South Africa to India when it was hijacked in the Indian Ocean on October 19, 350 nautical miles (648.2 kilometers) northeast of the Seychelles and 700 nautical miles (1,296.4 kilometers) off the east coast of Somalia.
After the hijacking, the Chinese government instructed relevant departments to carry out a rescue mission while ensuring the safety of the ship and its crew.
Jiang said that the Chinese government expressed sincere greetings to the rescued crew and their families.
The Chinese foreign ministry again reminds Chinese vessels and personnel not to go close to dangerous sea areas and take precaution measures.
The Ministry of Transport also demands Chinese shipping companies and their vessels and crew strengthen self-protective measures in an effort to prevent hijackings.
Xinhua – Global Times
