Chinese sailors and their family members stranded in northern Thailand after two cargo ships were attacked on the Mekong River last week, started their journey home early Friday.

Chinese sailors and their family members, who were stranded in northern Thailand after two ships were attacked last week, start to return to China from Chiang Saen port, Thailand, on Oct. 14, 2011. [Yang Dingdu/Xinhua]

12 Chinese sailors were killed and one was missing in the gruesome attack on the Chiang Saen section of Mekong River.

Due to safety concerns, 164 people, including sailors and their family members, have been living aboard dozens of ships on Mekong River in Chiang Saen following the attack.

The ships escorted by a Chinese vessel with police aboard began their home journey at around 6 a.m.. Some speed boats of the Thai police were also seen guarding the Chinese ships.

Yesterday Chinese vice Foreign Minister Song Tao summoned diplomatic envoys from Thailand, Laos and Myanmar and urged their countries to intensify the investigation of the incident.

China also urged relevant countries to take effective measures to strengthen the protection of Chinese ships and sailors on the Mekong River and its relevant waters and to avoid such tragedy from happening again.

China will work with all sides to ensure the safe shipping along the Mekong River, Song said.