Chinese vessels rescue Somalia fishermen in Indian Ocean

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Two Somali fishermen were successfully repatriated to the country after encountering an ordeal within the Indian Ocean, where they had lost course before being rescued by a Chinese vessel, state media reports.

Ibrahim Mohamud Ali and Sharmarke Nur Abdi Aden arrived at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu earlier on Monday following a dramatic ordeal at sea and were received by senior government officials from the federal government.

According to officials, the two were rescued by a Chinese vessel after their fishing boat malfunctioned and drifted in the ocean for 24 days. They were drifted by strong winds to deep waters in the Indian Ocean where they survived without water and food.

"The Somali Embassy in China played a crucial role in coordinating their rescue and repatriation," state media reports.

"Upon learning of the fishermen’s predicament, embassy officials contacted the captain of the rescuing vessel, facilitating immediate assistance and ensuring their safe transfer back home."

After returning home, the two narrated their ordeal to the media, describing the terrifying moments as their boat malfunctioned near the shores of Mogadishu. Strong winds carried their vessel into the ocean, where they struggled to survive without necessities for nearly a month, they said.

On January 10th, 2025, they were taken to China where they received initial care and support. Three days later, on January 13, they were flown back to Somalia and welcomed at Aden Adde Airport by officials from the Federal Government of Somalia.

"This rescue underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing maritime emergencies and ensuring the safety of Somali citizens both at home and abroad," officials said.

China and Somalia have developed a close working relationship with their partnerships in trade, development, tourism, and diplomatic ties blossoming in recent months. The communist state has often defended Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

GAROWE ONLINE