Indonesian authorities have captured a Vietnamese vessel that they say was fishing illegally in Indonesian waters and had caught two tons of fish, an official said has announced.
The Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) said it had apprehended the Vietnam-flagged vessel in the North Natuna Sea near its western maritime border with Malaysia on Friday (Dec 24).
Bakamla spokesman Wisnu Pramandita said the authorities detected two vessels but one managed to escape after they were approached.
“We managed to apprehend a vessel… manned by 20 Vietnamese crew members, while the other one was able to sail into Malaysian waters,” Pramandita said.
In August, Indonesian authorities apprehended four Vietnamese fishing vessels for illegal fishing. They have stepped up navy and air patrols in the area.
Territorial disputes are common in the region, which includes the South China Sea – maritime territory that is claimed in part by several states, including China.
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https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2021/12/26/indonesia-seizes-vietnamese-boat-accused-of-illegal-fishing