The ship’s release coincided with Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu’s visit to Bosaso, where he met with Puntland President Said Deni.
A Chinese-owned fishing vessel hijacked off Somalia’s Puntland coast has been freed following the payment of a $2 million ransom, marking a concerning resurgence of maritime crime in the region.
The vessel, operated by Liaoning Daping Fishery Group and chartered by a Taiwanese fishing company, was released on Monday after being held captive since November 27, 2024. The ship, which supplies fish to European markets in Spain and Italy, was carrying 18 crew members when armed groups from Somalia’s Eyl area seized it near the Haafun district in the Bari region.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the hijackers initially demanded $10 million for the vessel’s release but eventually settled for $2 million. The Chinese embassy in Mogadishu confirmed the crew’s rescue in a statement, attributing it to “unremitting efforts by the Chinese government.”
“The Chinese government strongly condemns this heinous act that has jeopardized the safety of crew members and the security of international shipping,” the embassy stated, vowing to continue protecting Chinese citizens and companies abroad.
The ship’s release coincided with Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu’s visit to Bosaso, where he met with Puntland President Said Deni. The incident has raised fresh concerns about maritime security in the region, particularly regarding the potential revival of piracy activities that once plagued the waters off the Horn of Africa.
The vessel’s operations involve local business connections, with Puntland businessmen serving as representatives for the fishing company that supplies European markets.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in international waters off Somalia’s coast, potentially signaling a need for increased maritime security measures in the region.
