A Taiwanese fishing boat was hijacked by pirates in waters north of the Seychelles islands and east of Somali on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

The 30 crew on board included five from the Chinese mainland, two from Taiwan and another 23 from foreign countries, Jiang Yu, the ministry spokeswoman, told a regular press conference.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry had reported to the embassies of relevant countries in China soon after the hijack occurred, Jiang said, adding that the ministry, together with relevant departments, are trying to verify the situation and would take measures to rescue the hijacked crew and vessel, Jiang said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2009)