Joint patrol forces from four countries along the Mekong River have escorted a total of 89 ships and saved 147 sailors from attacks by hijackers since December, a Chinese officer said.

The figures were released before the forces will launch a sixth patrol on Friday. The patrol will last six days.

The forces, bringing together China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, have conducted five joint patrols since the four countries established a joint command center in Guanlei port of Xishuangbanna, in Southwest China's Yunnan province.