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No decisions will be made about the seized fishing vessel FV Shang Yih No. 6 until police complete investigations into the boat’s alleged illegal fishing activities.
According to Maritime Commander Chief Inspector Garth Henderson, the boat’s owner arrived in the Cook Islands on Monday night and has been briefed about the incident. However investigations could take several more days, he says.
The long-liner was found by the Cook Islands patrol boat Te Kukupa late on Monday, about 30kms within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone near Penryhn. The boat’s crew was observed hauling in a long line and a boarding party from Te Kukupa later found further evidence on board which indicated the vessel had been engaged in illegal fishing.
A Royal New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion maritime surveillance aircraft also assisted with the operation after being diverted from a routine patrol in the Pacific
Though the FV Shang Yih No.6 is Taiwanese-owned it is registered in Batumi, Georgia. It does not have a Cook Islands fishing licence.
Te Kukupa escorted the boat into Avatiu harbour on Sunday, and it quickly attracted hordes of curious spectators.
Police Commissioner Pira Wichman says interviews with the crew were completed yesterday. Today fish in the boat’s freezers will be assessed as part of a valuation of the vessel for the Cook Islands government.
Wichman says the apprehension of the boat was a great morale booster for the Maritime Surveillance team as they have not caught a foreign fishing boat in Cook Islands waters for at least 10 years.
“They have done extremely well. It was also very timely, as the crew have recently completed ship boarding exercises.”
Meanwhile, rumours circulating Rarotonga about living conditions aboard the Taiwanese boat are untrue, according to Maritime Surveillance personnel who have inspected the vessel.
The crew of 20 all have their own beds and have a perfectly adequate diet, even if it does consist largely of fish and rice. The boat is just one year old, and contrary to one persistent rumour, does in fact have toilet facilities aboard.
When they’re not working the crew are not short of entertainment options as the boat carries a TV, video and CD player.
The vessel has been immobilised and is now being supplied with fresh water from the wharf. Although they have a 24-hour police guard, the crew are quite happy with the way they are being treated during their enforced stay, police say. -- Govmedia |
