Chinese Officials Say Rescuing Crew Of Hijacked Ship Is Top Priority

October 20, 2009 9:31 a.m. EST

Beijing, China (AHN) - Chinese officials say that rescuing the crew from a Chinese cargo vessel hijacked by pirates off Somali's coast is on the forefront of their agenda. According to a ministry spokesperson the government is monitoring the situation very closely.

On Monday pirates seized the Chinese vessel De Xin Hai, on board were 25 crew members.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ma Zhaoxu on Tuesday said that various government departments immediately began an action plan and began formulating an emergency response. The nation's embassies and consulates were given instructions to collect as much information about the incident upon its discovery.

John Harbour, a commander with the British Royal Navy who serves with the EU Naval Force, confirmed to reporters that the vessel had been taken but reportedly said the hostages seemed to be fine. He also said the UK Maritime Trade Organization in Bahrain called the ship but received no response

Ma said the Foreign Ministry had issued a warning to Chinese ships and citizens to avoid crossing the waters where the hijacking occurred.  The Chinese Ocean Shipping Company owns and operates the De Xin Hai. Company records show that the vessel was transporting coal from India to South Africa when it was seized.

The De Xin Hai hijacking is the first of a Chinese ship this year, according to the International Chamber of Commerce's International Maritime Bureau

Monday's latest incident brings the current tally of ships Somali pirates have seized to six, since the monsoon season ended. The total number of captive seamen is 146.