Three Chinese Crew Members Confirmed Safe After Suspected Kidnapping in Ghana
Three Chinese crew members suspected of being kidnapped off Ghana’s coast have been confirmed safe by China’s foreign ministry. This follows an investigation into a suspected pirate attack that occurred on a Ghanaian fishing vessel. Ghanaian authorities are addressing piracy concerns in the Gulf of Guinea region.
On Monday, China’s foreign ministry confirmed that three Chinese nationals, who were thought to have been kidnapped from a fishing vessel off the coast of Ghana, are safe. The ministry did not provide specific details regarding the situation.
According to Ghanaian authorities, they initiated an investigation following a suspected pirate attack on a Ghanaian-registered fishing boat that had reported three missing Chinese crew members. Ghana’s armed forces stated that on Thursday evening, a group of armed individuals boarded the vessel and fired warning shots, causing crew members to seek safety.
The armed individuals reportedly remained on board for nearly three hours, during which they assembled all crew members on the deck and confiscated their mobile phones. Following their departure, the crew discovered that three members were unaccounted for. The vessel, identified as MENGXIN 1, is currently docked.
Piracy incidents have been prevalent in the Gulf of Guinea region off West Africa. Over time, Chinese fishing vessels have often sailed under Ghanaian flags to operate in Ghanaian waters. The Chinese foreign ministry has reassured its citizens in Ghana, stating its commitment to enhancing the safety and security of Chinese nationals and institutions in the country.
In summary, the situation regarding the three missing Chinese crew members has resolved positively with their safety confirmed by China’s foreign ministry. The incident raises concerns regarding piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, an issue that continues to affect maritime operations in the region. The collaboration between China and Ghana emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the welfare of all citizens involved.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
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