China says three Chinese crew members suspected of kidnapped from Ghana ships are safe
AKRA Ghana (AP) – The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday that three Chinese people suspected of being kidnapped on the coast of Ghana are safe.
Ghanaian authorities said on Saturday they were investigating “suspected pirate attacks” on Ghana’s registered fishing boats, which left three Chinese crew members missing.
Ghana’s armed forces said in a statement that on Thursday night, “the report indicated that seven armed personnel boarded the ship and fired warning guns, prompting several crew members to seek cover in safe areas.”
The armed forces said the “pirates” stayed for about three hours after everyone on the assembled armored board confiscated their phones. After the armed personnel left the ship, the crew discovered the missing members.
It says Mengxin 1 ship is docked now.
In the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, piracy is not uncommon.
According to the Watchdog, Chinese have flew Ghanaian flags on their boats for years, fishing in Ghana waters.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry told reporters that all crew members are safe.
Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said: “China will continue to work with Ghana to effectively protect the safety of Chinese citizens and Ghana’s institutions.”
___
Beijing-based Associated Press writer Emily Wang contributed to the report.
