Chinese marine officials have announced that a hijacked bulk carrier, and its 25 crew members, were successfully rescued at 3 A.M. this morning.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry says the sea-craft, named the De Xin Hai, has been under the protection of the country's naval escort fleet since the mission ended. The ship will be guided to safe seas after the sailors undergo medical checks, and provisions are restocked.

The vessel was carrying about 76,000 tons of coal from South Africa to India, when it was hijacked on October 19th. The incident took place in the Indian Ocean, about 700 nautical miles off Somalia's east coast.