Nine Crew Members of Illegal Chinese Fishing Vessels Detained for Prolonged Anchoring near Yeonpyeong Island

Crew members of Chinese fishing vessels who had been anchored for an extended period near Yeonpyeong Island in the West Sea and engaged in illegal fishing have all been detained.

The West Sea 5 Islands Special Security Unit of the Central Regional Headquarters of the Korea Coast Guard announced on September 16 that it had detained and referred for prosecution nine Chinese nationals, including a man in his 30s identified as A, on charges of violating the Territorial Sea Act and the Act on the Exercise of Sovereign Rights on Foreigners’ Fishing Operations, among others.

A and the others are accused of illegally fishing by anchoring their vessels near Yeonpyeong Island, Ongjin County, Incheon, for a prolonged period. Previously, on August 11 and 12, the Coast Guard conducted a special crackdown and seized a total of eight vessels—six manned and two unmanned.

The nine individuals detained this time were crew members from five of the six manned vessels that were seized. It was found that, due to the fishing prohibition period at the time, there were no captains aboard the vessels. The Korea Coast Guard explained that this is the first time that only general crew members, rather than captains, have been detained and referred for prosecution in connection with crackdowns on illegal Chinese fishing vessels.

Chinese fishing boat escorted to exclusive pier of Incheon Coast Guard. Provided by the West Sea 5 Islands Special Security Unit.

Additionally, investigations revealed that all eight seized vessels had neither a ship name (registration number), home port, nor vessel permit—making them so-called "three-no (sanmu) vessels." The Coast Guard confiscated five of the six manned vessels and plans to transfer the remaining one to Ongjin County, Incheon. Both unmanned vessels have already been handed over to Ongjin County.

Paek Jongsu, head of the West Sea 5 Islands Special Security Unit, stated, "We were able to conduct a strong crackdown on illegal Chinese fishing vessels through close cooperation with the Navy and other related agencies. We will continue to uphold strict law enforcement to protect our maritime sovereignty and fishery resources."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.