Pirate fighters back home from Somali waters, relive drama

Source: China Daily | 01-23-2009 08:41

SHANGHAI -- They used water cannons, self-made bombs, and beer bottles on the high sea to ward off an attack by Somali pirates.

But it was their courage, more than the weapons, which kept the pirates at bay for four long hours in the Gulf of Aden. Help in the shape of two Malaysian warships and a helicopter did, of course, play the major part.

Cargo ship Zhenhua 4 is seen at a Shanghai port in this  picture, January 22, 2009.[China Daily]

The 30 sailors who fought off the pirates on December 17 sailed into Shanghai on board Chinese cargo ship Zhenhua 4 Thursday. They returned home to the relief of their families and friends and a warm welcome from people around.

Thankfully, no one was injured in attack, said the 57-year-old captain, Peng Weiyuan.

"I think we did what we were supposed to do," Peng said. "To say we were not afraid at all would not be true. But we held on and that helped deter the pirates."

"All the sailors showed immense courage. I'm very proud of them," Peng said.