21.05 Hijacked Chinese Vessel Leaves N.Korea - Agency
BEIJING, May 21 (RIA Novosti) - A Chinese fishing vessel seized by a group of North Koreans in Chinese waters about two weeks ago was released on Tuesday, Chinas Xinhua news agency said.
Xinhua quoted the ships owner as saying that the fishermen aboard the boat were all safe on their way back.
The boat, Liaoning Generic Fishing No. 25222, and its crew are from the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian. Its owner Yu Xuejun said said his boat was seized while operating in Chinese waters and that he was told to pay a ransom of 600 thousand yuan (over $95,200).
It was not immediately clear whether the ransom was paid.
North Korea is yet to officially confirm the release.
