DPRK releases Chinese fishing boat, fishermen
Updated: 2013-05-21 18:55
(Xinhua)
|
||||||||
BEIJING - A Chinese fishing boat held by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) with 16 fishermen onboard was released early on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday.
Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a regular press conference here, quoting report by the owner of the vessel.
"The crew was safe and the owner did not pay the so-called penalty," said Hong.
Yu Xuejun, who owns fishing boat "Liaoning Generic Fishing No. 25222" from Dalian, in Northeast China's Liaoning province, said he received a phone call from the boat's captain at 3:50 am, saying the vessel and the fishermen had been released.
The boat has joined other Chinese fishing vessels to continue fishing at sea.
Hong said since the boat was seized by the DPRK on May 5, the Foreign Ministry, the Chinese Embassy to the DPRK and border police had lodged representations to the DPRK over the detention of the vessel and demanded the DPRK ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese fishermen and release the boat and the fishermen as early as possible.
Efforts from multiple parties have contributed to the release, he said.
The Chinese side has demanded that the DPRK launch an overall investigation into the case, and take effective actions to prevent similar incidents from happening again, according to the spokesman.
- Michelle lays roses at site along Berlin Wall
- Historic space lecture in Tiangong-1 commences
- 'Sopranos' Star James Gandolfini dead at 51
- UN: Number of refugees hits 18-year high
- Slide: Jet exercises from aircraft carrier
- Talks establish fishery hotline
- Foreign buyers eye Chinese drones
- UN chief hails China's peacekeepers
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Pumping up power of consumption |
From China with love and care |
From the classroom to the boardroom |
Schools open overseas campus |
Domestic power of new energy |
Clearing the air |
Today's Top News
Shenzhou X astronaut gives lecture today
US told to reassess duties on Chinese paper
Chinese seek greater share of satellite market
Russia rejects Obama's nuke cut proposal
US immigration bill sees Senate breakthrough
Brazilian cities revoke fare hikes
Moody's warns on China's local govt debt
Air quality in major cities drops in May
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |