BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese bulk carrier "De Xin Hai", which was rescued from pirates early Monday, is heading home under the protection of China's naval escort, a Chinese official said Tuesday.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu said at a regular news briefing that the vessel and crew were expected home at an early date.
"De Xin Hai", which belongs to Qingdao Ocean Shipping Co., Ltd, was carrying about 76,000 tonnes of coal from South Africa to India when it was hijacked in the Indian Ocean, 350 nautical miles northeast of the Seychelles and 700 nautical miles off the east coast of Somalia on Oct. 19.
After the incident, the Chinese government ordered a rescue mission while ensuring the safety of the ship and the crew members.
The vessel and 25 Chinese crew members aboard were successfully rescued at 3 a.m. on Dec. 28, according to Chinese Marine Search and Rescue Center.
Jiang said the shipping company would make appropriate arrangements for their return, depending on their physical conditions.
The government attached great importance to protecting Chinese abroad, Jiang said. It would continue its naval escort in accordance with international law and United Nations resolutions.
She said China was willing to work with the international community to ensure security of international shipping channels.
Hijacked Chinese bulk carrier rescued
BEIJING, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- A hijacked Chinese bulk carrier and 25 Chinese crew members aboard were successfully rescued at 3 a.m. on Dec. 28, according to 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 protection of Chinese naval escort fleet. Full story
Hijacked Chinese bulk carrier arrives off coast of Somalia
BRUSSELS, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The hijacked Chinese bulk carrier was confirmed on Thursday to have arrived off the coast of Somalia and was now in the vicinity of Hobyo, the EU NAVFOR Maritime Patrol Aircraft reported.
"The Hijacked Bulk Carrier, the DE XIN HAI, is confirmed to have arrived off the coast of Somalia and is now in the vicinity of Hobyo," the EU anti-piracy force said in a statement posted on its website. Full story
Spokesman: China to rescue hijacked crew, bulk carrier
BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- China will make every effort to rescue the crew and the hijacked bulk carrier, the De Xin Hai, from pirates in the Indian Ocean, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said Tuesday.
Ma told a regular press conference that the Chinese government was closely monitoring developments with the ship. Full story
Hijacked Chinese bulk carrier heading northwest
LONDON, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The seajacked Chinese bulk carrier DE XIN HAI is heading northwest and is now 650 nautical miles off the east coast of Somalia, the EU anti-piracy military organization EU NAVFOR said on Tuesday.
Daniel Auwermann, an official of the organization's media center, said the ship is expected to head toward pirate strongholds based in Somalia. Full story
Chinese company confirms 25 crew hijacked by pirates in Indian Ocean
QINGDAO, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese company confirmed Tuesday that 25 Chinese crewmembers were being held hostage by pirates in the Indian Ocean.
The bulk carrier De Xin Hai and its 25 crew were hijacked in the Indian Ocean around noon local time Monday. Full story
EU naval force says Chinese hostages taken by Somali pirates seem to be fine
LONDON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Spokesman of the European Union (EU)naval force John Harbour confirmed on Monday that 25 Chinese people were taken hostages by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean and they seem to be fine.
Harbour said "the total number held hostages along Somali coastis 146. I can confirm on board the carrier, there are 25 Chinese personnel." Full story
