A Chinese-owned fishing vessel and its 18 crew members, hijacked by alleged Somali pirates on December 5, 2024, off the northeastern coast of Somalia, have been released.
The development was confirmed in a statement by the Chinese Embassy in Somalia on Monday.
“With the unremitting efforts of the Chinese government, the vessel and crew were safely rescued on January 13,” the statement noted.
The Chinese government strongly condemned the hijacking, describing it as a “vicious action” that endangered the crew’s safety and international navigation security. It vowed to continue safeguarding the rights of its citizens and enterprises overseas and to collaborate with relevant parties to ensure maritime security.
The release of the vessel and crew followed close consultation and coordination between the Chinese government, the Federal Government of Somalia, and the Puntland state government. Somali authorities expressed their commitment to addressing the Chinese government’s concerns about security and safety, emphasizing the importance of strengthening practical cooperation in areas such as fisheries.
The Chinese Embassy in Somalia reiterated its appreciation for the support from Somali authorities and other stakeholders in resolving the incident. “China and Somalia have profound traditional friendship. Any attempts to sabotage China-Somalia cooperation are bound to go in vain,” the embassy stated.
The incident highlighted the ongoing challenges of piracy in Somali waters, a threat that had significantly declined in recent years but remains a concern for international maritime security.
Mustaqbal.