South African authorities have seized four Chinese fishing vessels after they entered the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone without authorisation.
According to Willie Aucamp, Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the vessels were intercepted and placed under guard in Cape Town following a coordinated multi-agency operation.
The vessels, identified as Zhong Yang 231, Zhong Yang 232, Zhong Yang 233 and Zhong Yang 239, are owned by Shenzhen Shuiwan Pelagic Fisheries.
Authorities said the vessels initially requested permission for “innocent passage” on 23 February, stating they would exit South African waters by 3 March. However, they later applied for off-port limits authorisation without submitting the required documentation.
During this period, the vessels reportedly switched off their automatic identification system transponders while operating within South Africa’s maritime zone.
Officials detected the vessels within 12 nautical miles of the coast near KwaZulu-Natal, before tracking their movement south along the coastline of the Eastern Cape.
Authorities imposed a R400,000 fine, which was paid. The vessels were subsequently released and have since departed from South African waters.
Aucamp said the government remains firm in protecting the country’s maritime zones and marine resources, adding that compliance with South African laws is essential for vessels operating in its waters.
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