Taiwan Coast Guard Detains Chinese Fishing Vessel Near Huayu for Illegal Border Crossing; 750kg of Catch Dumped at Sea

Central News Agency, Penghu, 19th. A Chinese fishing vessel, lacking identification, was intercepted by the Penghu Coast Guard early this morning for illegal operations in waters west of Huayu. Following a pursuit and boarding operation, the vessel and its six crew members were escorted to Magong Port, and 750 kilograms of seized fish were returned to the sea in accordance with maritime regulations.

The Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch stated that during the enforcement operation last night, a Chinese Coast Guard ship, "Haijing 2102," appeared in the western Penghu waters under the pretext of routine patrol. In response, the Taiwan Coast Guard deployed the "Lienchiang" patrol vessel to monitor the situation, preventing any "gray-zone" maneuvers and reaffirming Taiwan's commitment to protecting its maritime sovereignty and the rights of local fishermen.

The incident began at 7:00 PM on the 18th, when the Thirteenth Coastal Patrol Corps detected the vessel. Despite five warnings and broadcasts from the Penghu Coast Guard, the vessel attempted to evade inspection through erratic maneuvers. Coast Guard personnel successfully boarded the vessel at 8:15 PM, 31 nautical miles west of Huayu. All 750 kilograms of fish found on board were discarded as required, and the vessel remains under investigation at Magong Port.