China's Ministry of Transport Tuesday told the country's ships to keep away from the place where a Chinese bulk carrier was hijacked Monday in the Indian Ocean.

Ships sailing near the place should keep alert and take precautions, the ministry said.

It said relevant governmental agencies were endeavoring to rescue the hijacked crew by every possible means.

The ship named "De Xin Hai" carrying coal was hijacked by pirates on Monday in the Indian Ocean. It belonged to Qingdao Ocean Shipping Co., Ltd..

The ship was on its route from South Africa to India. There were 25 seamen aboard the ship.

(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2009)