MANAMA, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Bahrain's government on Wednesday announced it has hired a law firm to secure the release of 19 fishermen who were caught by Qatari authorities.
Qatari officials impounded 16 Bahraini fishing vessels and their crew, which, Bahrain officials said, has violated international maritime regulations.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that it has hired a law firm to follow up the case," a ministry's statement said. "We will take all necessary legal measures to protect the detained fishermen and preserve their rights, especially after Qatar's repetition of such practices."
The ministry said such issues are governed by the international maritime safety treaties, stressing that it will continue efforts to ensure the release of the fishermen and fishing vessels as soon as possible.
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt severed ties with Qatar on June 5 following accusations that it supported terrorist groups and attempted to destabilize the region.
Bahrain closed its land, air and sea borders with Qatar and has also revoked Qatar Airways' licence to operate there.
