Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The Federal Government of Somalia successfully repatriated two Somali nationals, Ibrahim Mohamud Ali and Sharmarke Nur Abdi Aden, who were rescued from the Indian Ocean. The duo arrived at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu earlier today, following a dramatic ordeal at sea.
The two young men were rescued by a Chinese vessel after their fishing boat malfunctioned and drifted in the ocean for 24 days. The stranded fishermen, who had been operating near the coast of Mogadishu, were carried away by strong winds into the open waters of the Indian Ocean. Without food or water, they endured harrowing conditions until the Chinese vessel came to their aid.
The Somali Embassy in China played a crucial role in coordinating their rescue and repatriation. Upon learning of the fishermen’s predicament, embassy officials contacted the captain of the rescuing vessel, facilitating immediate assistance and ensuring their safe transfer back home.
Speaking to the media upon their arrival in Mogadishu, Ibrahim and Sharmarke recounted their ordeal, describing the terrifying moments as their boat malfunctioned near the shores of Mogadishu. Strong winds carried their vessel into the ocean, where they struggled to survive without basic necessities for nearly a month.
The two fishermen were first taken to China on January 10, 2025, where they received initial care and support. Three days later, on January 13, they were flown back to Somalia and welcomed at Aden Adde Airport by officials from the Federal Government of Somalia.
This rescue underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing maritime emergencies and ensuring the safety of Somali citizens both at home and abroad.
