The seven fishing vessels come from South China’s Fujian province. They are on their way to the western African country Mauritania. After 5 days and 4 nights of sailing, they were escorted to the Red Sea.

The fishing vessels are slow, and their manoeuvrability and defense ability is weak, which makes them an easy target for pirates. The vessels have been accompanied by helicopters and special operations soldiers.

Before the mission, the sailors also had special training to prepare them for the trip. The 16th Chinese Navy escort fleet started its mission in the Gulf of Aden last December.