Hijacked Chinese Fishing Vessel off Somalia Rescued, Embassy Says

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: A Chinese fishing vessel hijacked by armed men off the coast of Somalia has been safely rescued, according to a statement from the Chinese embassy.

The vessel was seized in waters off Puntland but was freed on March 2 following what the embassy described as coordinated efforts by all parties involved. The crew were rescued unharmed.

The embassy of the China condemned the attack, calling it a threat to crew safety and international maritime security. It said Beijing would continue working with Somali authorities to safeguard Chinese nationals and businesses operating overseas.

During the incident, Chinese officials maintained close communication with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Puntland state administration.

Somali authorities reaffirmed that Chinese fishing vessels are operating legally in Somali waters with federal and state authorization and in compliance with national regulations, the statement said.

Both sides pledged to strengthen cooperation in maritime security and fisheries, describing the episode as a test of the longstanding ties between China and Somalia.