Taiwan Coast Guard intercepts Chinese fishing vessel near Penghu

Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration intercepted an unnamed Chinese fishing vessel engaged in illegal bottom trawling in the waters northwest of the Penghu Islands. Upon receiving reports from local fishermen, patrol vessels attempted to order the ship to stop and retrieve its nets. The vessel reportedly refused to comply, performing evasive maneuvers to avoid inspection.

Due to the presence of large nets and dangerous metal rods on the vessel, Coast Guard personnel deployed a smaller boarding craft to intercept the ship. Authorities successfully boarded the vessel and detained six Chinese crew members. Approximately 400 kilograms of the illegal catch were returned to the sea. No prohibited meat products were found on board. The vessel has been returned to Magong Port, and legal action will be taken under the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.