Chinese navy rescues Panamanian ship from pirates in Gulf of Aden

A convoy of Chinese navy forces rescued a Panamanian ship that was being attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden.

Media sources reported on Sunday that Frigate Hengyang of China’s 25th fleet received a report around 9:30 p.m. Saturday Beijing Time from the Mercury system saying that the ship Al-Heera was under attack by five pirates and was requesting help.

Hengyang immediately dispatched its shipboard helicopter to the area. The helicopter arrived at the oil tanker at around 10:30 p.m. and drove away the suspected pirates.

The Al-Heera was deemed safe and continued its passage.

Since 2008, Chinese naval forces have escorted more than 6,000 ships through this vital sea route and have successfully rescued or aided more than 60 Chinese and foreign ships.