They were working on the vessel Xu Fu No. 1 while they were attacked by Somali pirates on December 31, 2010. 

During their custody, the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry had asked its representative offices in Asia, Africa and Europe to coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure their safety. 

It also demanded that labour export companies contact the owner of the ship to solve the case and assist the families of the crew. 

As soon as they were released on July 17, 2012, the 12 Vietnamese and other foreign crew were taken to Dar Es Salaam port in Tanzania by a Chinese naval ship. 

The Vietnamese embassy in Tanzania sent its staff to Dar Es Salaam to provide medical services and necessities to the crew during their stay in Tanzania. 

The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry has expressed thanks to China’s relevant agencies and concerned parties for their coordination and assistance to the Vietnamese crew.