The Argentine Naval Prefecture (PNA) reported that a coastguard captured on Sunday morning a Spanish flag vessel “illegally fishing in the Argentine Sea”, within the framework of the operations for the protection of fisheries resources arranged by the Ministry of National Security.
The fishing vessel, identified as Playa Pesmar Uno, had left the port of Montevideo, Uruguay, on January 11, and was intercepted by the coastguard GC 27 Fique within the exclusive economic zone of Argentina (ZEEA), at the latitude of Comodoro Rivadavia.
“With federal forces we work to protect the resources that are of all Argentines,” said Security Minister Patricia Bullrich. She added: “We will continue to strengthen our presence in the waters to provide security and to ensure compliance with the law.”
Immediately, the crew of the coast guard established radio communications with the captain of the fishing vessel in order to stop the vessel, according to international standards.
The fishing vessel’s captain complied with the Prefecture order to stop navigation and not lift the fishing net he had deployed in the sea, while the Fique was approaching the fishing boat.
At this time a control of the captured fresh fish is being carried out to determine the amount of the cargo. The first estimates would indicate that the Spanish ship has on board more than 320 tonnes of processed and fresh fish – which included hake, haddock, squid and ray – valued “in a millionaire amount”.
Playa Pesmar Uno is more than 63 meters long and 12.50 meters wide, and had 34 crew on board. The vessel belongs to the company Grupo Pesmar, which includes the joint-stock companies Pescaquerías Marinenses (shipowner), Pesmarín, Pesmar and Safricope (cold storage plants and commercialization).
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