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Vietnamese vessel arrested for suspected illegal fishing
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The KM PAF 4767 vessel is tethered to a PSDKP patrol ship in Batam after allegedly fishing illegally in Natuna waters. (JP/Fadli)
I
ndonesian authorities have apprehended the Malaysian-flagged PAF 4767 vessel, which is from Vietnam, as it was allegedly fishing illegally in Natuna waters. The Maritime and Fisheries Resources Monitoring Task Force (PSDKP) also seized a ton of malong fish from the vessel.
Batam PSDKP head Akhmadon said on Wednesday said the arrest of the crew was based on radar and visual observations from the Hiu 12 patrol ship since Saturday.
“The Vietnamese vessel was apprehended when it was using a Malaysian flag. They usually catch fish illegally in groups but we only arrested one of the vessels,” he said.
Skipper Le Van Trung and 14 crew, all of whom are Vietnamese, were arrested and are awaiting deportation.
“The skipper will be charged for his misconduct,” Akhmadon said, adding that he would be charged under Law No. 31/2004 on fisheries.
“We still don’t understand why they used a Malaysian flag,” he added, alleging that it could have been because of an agreement between Indonesia and Malaysia to immediately deport fishermen arrested in one other’s territory.
The PAF 4767 is the fourth Vietnamese vessel with a Malaysian flag to have been apprehended by the Batam PSDKP. Previously on Oct. 13 the task force arrested three Vietnamese vessels using Malaysian flags. (yan)
