MOGADISHU, Somalia — A fishing vessel owned by China, which was taken hostage off the Somali coast last November, has been released along with its crew of 18 members, as confirmed by the Chinese Embassy in Somalia on Monday.

The embassy issued a statement on social media indicating that the crew’s rescue occurred after “the tireless efforts of the Chinese government.” A separate part of the statement expressed strong condemnation of the act, highlighting its threat to both the crew’s safety and international navigation security. The Chinese officials emphasized their commitment to protect the legal rights of Chinese citizens and businesses abroad.

The vessel was captured late in November and subsequently transported to the Xaafuun district, located in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region. The pirates who commandeered the ship had reportedly issued a ransom demand amounting to $10 million; however, it remains uncertain whether any payment was made.

In the embassy’s statement, it was noted that “the Chinese side ensured ongoing consultations and collaboration” with Somalia’s federal authorities, as well as Puntland’s regional government, to secure the successful rescue of the ship and crew members.

This incident highlights the ongoing difficulties regarding maritime security in the waters off Somalia. The country has struggled with piracy issues for years, peaking in 2011 when the United Nations recorded over 160 pirate attacks along the coast.

Despite a significant decline in such incidents since that peak, mainly attributed to the presence of U.S. and allied naval forces patrolling international waters, the threat of piracy remains a concern for vessels operating in the region.