Two Chinese fishing boats were captured by the Coast Guard for illegally fishing off the coast of Socheong Island in the northern West Sea. The Central Coast Guard’s West Sea 5th Special Guards seized two 30-ton Chinese boats for violating the Economic Zone Fisheries Sovereignty Act. The boats were accused of illegally fishing in the sea, 100km southwest of Socheong Island.
During the crackdown, the Chinese boats tried to flee from the Coast Guard by cutting their nets and zigzagging, but they were captured. The two boats caught 40 boxes illegally in our exclusive economic zone without permission.
During the capture process, the Chinese captain resisted by kicking and wielding a weapon at the Coast Guard who tried to enter the wheelhouse. However, the Coast Guard was able to subdue him.
As a result of the investigation, the two Chinese ships were confirmed to be twin wire nets and the shipment was confirmed to be from Shidao, Shandong Province, China. The Coast Guard is transporting eight Chinese sailors, including the captain, to the pier for further investigation.
Illegal Chinese fishing has been a growing problem near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea, with a 36 percent increase in the number of Chinese boats engaged in illegal fishing this month.
The Korea Coast Guard aims to continue to block illegal fishing by foreign fishing boats.
Two Chinese boats that fled while illegally fishing off the coast of Socheong Island in the northern part of the West Sea were captured by the Coast Guard.
According to the Coast Guard on the 28th, the Central Coast Guard’s West Sea 5th Special Guards seized two 30-ton Chinese boats for violating the Economic Zone Fisheries Sovereignty Act.
These Chinese boats are accused of illegal fishing in the sea 100km southwest of Socheong Island, Ongjin-gun, Incheon at 8:05 pm the previous day.
During the crackdown, the two Chinese boats cut their nets and zigzag and fled regarding 11km in 40 minutes despite the Coast Guard’s order to stop the ship.
These Chinese boats, whose names were covered by fishing gear, caught 40 boxes illegally in our exclusive economic zone without permission.
During the capture process, Captain A, a Chinese man in his 40s, fiercely resisted by kicking and wielding a weapon at the coast guard who tried to enter the wheelhouse.
Two members of the Coast Guard confronted each other with batons and 6-shot multi-purpose launchers, and then threw tear gas into the wheelhouse door and subdued Mr. A.
The Coast Guard is planning to consider whether to apply additional charges, such as special obstruction of execution of public affairs, to Mr. A.
As a result of the investigation, the two Chinese ships were confirmed to be twin wire nets and the shipment was confirmed to be Shidao, Shandong Province, China.
The Coast Guard is transporting 8 Chinese sailors, including Mr. A, to the pier exclusively for the Incheon Coast Guard, and plans to further investigate the details of the illegal fishing.
This month, the number of Chinese boats engaged in illegal fishing near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea increased by 36 percent from 58 last month to an average of 79 per day.
This is more than the average of 68 crabs per day in the same month last year, and there is a possibility that it will increase further if blue crab fishing resumes in earnest from next month when the closed fishing season ends.
“We will continue to fundamentally block illegal fishing by foreign fishing boats,” said Kim Jong-wook, head of the Korea Coast Guard.
The Korea Coast Guard remains vigilant in its fight once morest illegal fishing by foreign boats in its waters. The recent capture of two Chinese boats that fled while illegally fishing off the coast of Socheong Island is a testament to their unwavering commitment to protect their country’s maritime resources. The Coast Guard’s efforts to crack down on illegal fishing will continue, and they will explore all possible charges once morest those who obstruct their public duties. As the fishing season resumes next month, the Coast Guard will remain on high alert to ensure that illegal fishing activities are halted and their waters are protected.
