A Chinese-owned fishing vessel that was hijacked off the coast of Somalia in November has been released along with its 18-member crew, as confirmed by the Chinese Embassy in Somalia on Monday.
In a statement shared on X, the embassy noted that the crew was rescued on Monday due to “the unremitting efforts of the Chinese government.”
The statement expressed strong condemnation from the Chinese side regarding this “vicious action,” which posed a threat to the safety of the crew and the security of international navigation. It emphasized the commitment to protect the lawful rights of Chinese citizens and enterprises abroad.
The vessel and its crew were taken hostage in late November and brought to the Xaafuun district in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Somalia. The pirates subsequently demanded a ransom of $10 million.
It remains unclear whether the ransom was paid. The embassy’s statement indicated that “the Chinese side maintained close consultation and coordination” with both the federal authorities in Somalia and the Puntland regional government to facilitate the rescue.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges related to maritime security in Somali waters. Piracy has plagued Somalia for years, peaking in 2011 when the United Nations reported over 160 attacks off the coast. However, such incidents have significantly decreased since then, primarily due to the presence of American and allied naval forces in international waters.
