ZHANJIANG, Guangdong, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese fleet departed for an escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters on Friday.

This is the 18th convoy fleet sent by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy for these missions since 2008. It comprises three destroyers, with three helicopters and 800 crew.

Chinese fleets have escorted more than 5,670 ships and successfully rescued or aided 60 ships from China and other countries.

The fleet is expected to reach the Gulf of Aden before the middle of August to succeed the 17th escort fleet currently on mission.