In a recent development off Ghana’s coast, three Chinese crew members, previously suspected to have been kidnapped during a piracy attack, have been confirmed safe, according to China’s foreign ministry. The incident involved the Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel, MENGXIN 1, which was boarded by seven armed individuals on March 27. The assailants fired warning shots, prompting several crew members to seek refuge in secure areas. During their approximately three-hour occupation of the vessel, the pirates assembled the crew on deck and confiscated their mobile phones before departing. It was only after their departure that the crew realized three members were missing.
Piracy remains a persistent threat in the Gulf of Guinea, affecting maritime operations and the safety of seafarers. China has expressed its commitment to collaborating with Ghanaian authorities to ensure the security of its nationals and interests in the region.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges posed by maritime piracy in West African waters and highlights the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding seafarers and maritime activities.
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