Spokesperson Bomikazi Molapo said the Chin Jen Wen was detected by the department’s Vessel Monitoring System entering South Africa’s exclusive economic zone from the direction of Mossel Bay.

It was sailing towards Cape Town and fisheries control officers on board the Victoria Mxenge intercepted it on Thursday morning.

When the fishing gear and bait was discovered and a permit could not be produced, the vessel was instructed to sail to the Cape Town port for an inspection.
The vessel sailed towards Cape Town for a while, but then stopped and would not carry on. Another fisheries protection vessel was sent, with police officials on board, and the crew eventually decided to co-operate and sail to Cape Town.A thorough inspection would be conducted on Friday.”The Minister has undertaken to intensify the fight against any form of illegal fishing in our exclusive economic zone to ensure that our resources are utilised for the benefit of the country to reduce poverty and ensure food security for all,” Molapo said.”South African waters remain a sovereign jurisdiction and its marine living resources will be protected by the Department.”

News24