Thu, October 22, 2009
The bulk carrier Dexinhai owned by Qingdao Ocean Shipping Company has been hijacked for three days and the company denies reports that the ship did not have an escort in order to save money.
Miao Shengying, an official of the Party Committee of Qingdao Ocean Shipping Company said in an interview that the ship was not going along the same course as the escort ships.
"I've no idea how those media got the conclusion 'as saving money' and where the information came", said Miao.
There are 35 warships from the navies of 16 countries currently deployed to prevent attacks along the Somali coast by Somali pirates.
The Ministy of Transport held an emergency meeting at 3:00 pm Tuesday and warned other ships and people not to enter that area, but did not divulge any details of a possible rescue.
"We can hear the media's report and so can the pirates," said Miao. He added that the media is a double-edged sword, and little information could be released to protect those onboard the Dexhinhai. "Honestly, we have already told all things we can tell."
Miao thanked the media for their coverage, and added that the families of all the seamen were emotionally stable. Responding to a reporter's question, he said the company has no plans to invite the families to Qingdao and look after them.
