A Chinese cargo ship, the De Xin Hai, with a crew of 25, was taken by pirates on Monday, about 700 miles off the coast of Somalia.
The Chinese government responded by vowing an "all out" effort to rescue their citizens.

The pirates have issued a menacing threat in return:

"We tell China not to endanger the lives of their people with any rescue operation. If they try that we will execute the whole crew ... we tell them to change their mind regarding any rescue, otherwise they will regret it. We know what they are planning to do."

Now that the monsoonn season is over, the pirates have resumed their activity, apparently with a renewed vigor, and increased rughlessness. This most recent development does not bode well for others still being held by the pirates from previous attacks, some 120 or so souls in addition to the 25 from the Chinese vessel.

Register At CruiseLineFans.com For Free