All in the same boat

During its two-week mission in the Gulf of Aden, the Peace Ark received sailors and officers from four foreign escort fleets, including those from South Korea and the Netherlands, for the exchange of information and medical services.

"We're here to fight piracy together, and we all need medical treatment," said Colonel Hoff, the leader of the Dutch delegation. "I myself am a doctor and I provide treatment on my ship, but, of course, provisions on a warship are extremely limited. It's good to know that there's a real hospital ship like Peace Ark helping us."

Following a tour of the Chinese hospital vessel, Kim Jong-hee, chief of staff on a South Korean escort ship, said he's looking forward to more cooperation with the Chinese navy and the Peace Ark.