Mokpo Coast Guard Seizes Two Chinese Fishing Vessels for Unauthorized Illegal Fishing

Destroyer 3015 Escorts Two Seized Chinese Fishing Vessels to Mokpo Quarantine Zone

Mokpo Coast Guard is approaching to inspect a Chinese fishing vessel engaged in unauthorized illegal fishing. (Photo by Mokpo Coast Guard Station)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] Two Chinese fishing vessels illegally operating without authorization in the waters off Gageodo, Sinan, Jeonnam, were seized by the Coast Guard.

According to the Mokpo Coast Guard Station, at around 9:50 a.m. on the 16th, two unauthorized Chinese trawlers, including the Yodae fishing vessel (294 tons, with a total of 29 crew members), were discovered operating illegally about 61 km southwest of Gageodo, Sinan-gun, Jeonnam.

The 3,000-ton patrol ship from the Mokpo Coast Guard Station dispatched to the scene approached the Chinese vessels, issued three orders to stop, and, in compliance with COVID-19 quarantine guidelines, deployed a maritime special task force to conduct inspections and searches.

The Mokpo Coast Guard conducted a thorough search of fishing gear and catches in the fish holds of the vessels and seized the two Chinese fishing vessels on charges of unauthorized fishing.

Subsequently, the Coast Guard escorted the Chinese vessels to the Mokpo quarantine anchorage, and after COVID-19 testing and quarantine measures, plans to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the unauthorized illegal fishing with the captains and others.

A Mokpo Coast Guard official stated, “We will respond strongly to foreign fishing vessels attempting illegal operations to protect fishery resources and uphold maritime sovereignty in the West and South Sea.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.