Tokyo — Authorities in Japan have seized a Chinese fishing vessel and arrested its skipper.
Japan’s Fisheries Agency said the incident occurred Thursday within Japan’s exclusive economic zone, about 89 nautical miles south-southwest of Meshima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture.
According to officials, a fisheries patrol vessel instructed the boat to halt for inspection.
Instead, the vessel reportedly attempted to flee, prompting authorities to take enforcement action.
A total of 11 people were on board, including the captain.
Investigators suspect the vessel may have entered Japan’s exclusive economic zone to conduct unauthorized fishing activities.
However, authorities have not disclosed anything, citing the ongoing investigation.
It marks the first seizure of a Chinese fishing boat by Japan’s Fisheries Agency since 2022.