Indonesian Navy Arrests Two Vietnamese Fishing Vessels Caught Illegal Fishing In Natuna

Catching 2 fishing boats from Vietnam (Twitter @PuspenTNI)

JAKARTA - The Navy's 1st Fleet Command Marine Combat Team arrested two Vietnamese fishing boats carrying out illegal fishing activities in North Natuna waters, Riau Islands. The two fishing boats and 10 crew members were brought to Lanal Ranai for further investigation.

The arrests began when KRI Yos Sudarso-353 was patrolling the Indonesian Archipelago Sea Channel (ALKI) I, on Saturday, July 18. Where the Navy warships detected two foreign fishing boats carrying out fishing activities.

"After being approached, the allegation was true, namely that a Vietnamese fishing boat was carrying out fishing activities in North Natuna waters approximately 25 nautical miles north of Sekatung Island," said KRI Commander Yos Sudarso, Marine Lt. Col. (P) Maman Nurrohman, in his written statement, Sunday 19 July.

Maman explained that the two fishing boats from Vietnam with hull numbers BV 0274 TS and BV 0887 TS could not escape after being approached by KRI Yos Sudarso-353. The ship was also secured by the TNI.

"Because the fishing gear in the form of trawl nets that he has is being stocked, this is strong evidence that the two vessels are carrying out fishing activities illegally in Indonesian waters," he explained.

KRI Yos Sudarso immediately escorted the 2 ships along with 10 crew members, all of whom were Vietnamese, to the Ranai Navy Base, for further investigation. "This is a form of commitment by the KRI soldiers in securing the waters of the Republic of Indonesia in Natuna," said Maman.

Lanal Ranai received abundance of KRI Yos Sudarso 353 "Capture 2 KIA Vietnam" https://t.co/joZ7vYEcYm 😎💂 #TNIPeduli #TNIAL #JalesvevaJayamahe #LanalRanai # KRIYosSudarso353 pic.twitter.com/NFwHnhCEIq

- TNI Information Center (@Puspen_TNI) July 18, 2020

Arriving at Lanal Ranai, Commander Lanal Ranai, Colonel Laut (P) Dofir, immediately checked the health of the crew members according to the Covid-19 protocol. "The goods carried and the ships used are sterilized by spraying disinfectants, and we are convinced that the 10 crew members do not bring the plague to Natuna," he added.