China thanks India for saving its sailors

Beijing, May 9 (PTI) Acknowledging Indian Navy’s effort in rescuing 24 Chinese sailors from a ship hijacked by Somali pirates, China today said it was working out a new security plan to protect its vessels and crew members from such attacks.

The Chinese vessel MV Fu Cheng (Full City), registered in Panama, faced a pirate attack 450 nautical miles off the Karwar Coast (of Karnataka) while it was on its way from Jeddah to Tuticorin port on May 6.

The Indian Navy swung into action and mobilised its aircraft and ships immediately after receiving an emergency call from the Chinese authorities and thwarted the attack.

“It was thus the navies of other countries, Turkey’s and India’s among them that helped to drive away the pirates and escorted the ship to safety,” Chinese Vice-Minister of Transport Xu Zuyuan said.