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. [Photo/Xinhua]

CHIANG SAEN, Thailand - Chinese sailors and their family members stranded in northern Thailand after two cargo ships were attacked last week, began their journey home early Friday.

The attack, which occurred on the Chiang Saen section of Mekong River, left 12 Chinese sailors dead and one missing.

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

The ships escorted by a Chinese vessel with police aboard began their home journey at around 6 am.

Some speed boats of the Thai police were also seen guarding the Chinese ships.