Two modern Chinese chokka long-line vessels and a rusty Indonesian fishing vessel have been seized in a joint operation off the Eastern Cape and found with 600 tons of chokka in their holds.
On Friday, the SA force's monitoring system picked up the two Chinese long-liners with fishing gear on board and no permissioin to enter the SA exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Radio instructions to the vessels to head for East London port resulted in the vessels speeding off. SA forces had to twice intercept the vessels and finally boarded them.
Fish, chokka and gear were found on board and no permits.
On the way to East London port, the fleet encountered another foreign fishing vessel also with catch and no permit. It was also told to head for East London.
An array of charges are being contemplated against the vessels, which include not complying with lawful instructions and infringing conservation measures.
Daff and SAPS are busy with registration of the criminal docket, after which it will be handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for a decision.
Joint operation nets three foreign vessels on East London waters
On Friday, the SA force's monitoring system picked up the two Chinese long-liners with fishing gear on board and no permissioin to enter the SA exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Radio instructions to the vessels to head for East London port resulted in the vessels speeding off. SA forces had to twice intercept the vessels and finally boarded them.
Fish, chokka and gear were found on board and no permits.
On the way to East London port, the fleet encountered another foreign fishing vessel also with catch and no permit. It was also told to head for East London.
An array of charges are being contemplated against the vessels, which include not complying with lawful instructions and infringing conservation measures.
Daff and SAPS are busy with registration of the criminal docket, after which it will be handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for a decision.
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