Great! Tiger Shark 01 Captures 1,001 Foreign Fishing Boats Illegal Fishing From The COVID-19 Pandemic

Illustration of the Indonesian Navy catching a Vietnamese foreign ship carrying out illegal fishing in the North Natuna Sea in September 2020. (ANTARA-HO-Dispenal)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) noted that the Tiger Shark KKP Surveillance Vessel 01, commanded by Captain Samson, managed to catch 1,001 illegal foreign fishing vessels in Indonesian waters.

Director General of Marine and Fishery Resources Supervision of the KKP Rear Admiral TNI Adin Nurawaluddin said the last arrest was made in the waters of North Natuna on Sunday, July 24 afternoon local time.

"I am the Director General of PSDKP, Rear Admiral TNI Adin Nurawaluddin, welcomed and paid respects to the ranks of the Tiger Shark 01 supervisory ship, which was captained by Captain Samson and 17 crew members of the Supervisory Vessel," said Adin in a written statement, quoted from Antara, Sunday, July 31.

He said the operation was a follow-up to information received from the public regarding the presence of foreign fishing vessels that carried out fishing theft in North Natuna waters.

Adin appreciated the officers who worked hard to protect marine resources from theft and fishing practices that were not in accordance with the provisions behind the limitations during the pandemic.

He stated that the persistence of personnel in the field and the very high attention of the leadership at the KKP in eradicating fishing theft were evidence of the state's presence in the Natuna Sea and other border areas.

"We continue to monitor and safeguard marine and fishery resources to ensure the rights of our fishermen in an orderly manner, so that in the end local fishermen can prosper," said Adin.

Meanwhile, Captain Samson said that his success could not be separated from the direction and guidance from the leadership ranks at the Directorate General of PSDKP.

"This success is the result of coordination and support from the KKP leaders, especially the Director General of PSDKP, the Director of Fleet Monitoring and Operations, the ranks of the Directorate General of PSDKP, the crew on duty, and the community," said Samson.

Captain Samson said KP Hiu Macan 01 was completed in 2004. It has a length of 36 meters and a width of 7 meters with Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) material, a cruising speed of 15 knots and is equipped with complete navigation and communication equipment.

"I brought KP Hiu Macan 01 starting in 2004. This ship has a stable character with 3 engines and 2 generator sets so that it has a high cruising range," he said.