Freed South Korean ship arrive in Yemen

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-14-2007 13:59

South Korean ship Maputo 9 (L) is escorted by a Yemeni coast guard boat at the southern Yemeni port of Aden November 13, 2007. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah (YEMEN)

Two South Korean-owned vessels have arrived in the Yemeni port of Aden after being released by Somali pirates. Diplomats at the port confirmed that all 24 people on board, including ten Chinese crew members, are in good health.

The fishing boats were first seized by Somali pirates back in May while passing through one of the world's most dangerous waterways.

Last week, Somali pirates also freed a Taiwan vessel they captured around the same time in May. The freed ship was expected to dock in Mombasa on Wednesday.

The two South Korean-owned vessels were released in Haradhere on November the 5th. Escorted by a US Navy ship, they docked at Yemen's port of Aden on Tuesday.

The 24 sailors aboard comprised ten Chinese, four South Koreans, three Vietnamese, three Indians and four Indonesians.

A sailor gestures from South Koresn ship Maputo 7 as it sails into the southern Yemeni port of Aden November 13, 2007. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah (YEMEN)

Chinese consulate staff and a medical team were at the port to greet the crew and check on their health condition. Yemeni officials have also prepared necessary medical assistance.

The fishing vessels were on their way from Kenya to Yemen when the attack occurred in May. Somalia's lawless waters have seen a marked increase in piracy since the start of the year.

Somalia has been without an effective national government for some 16 years. The country is situated near a main shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei