South Korean Coast Guard officials seize eight Chinese fishing boats in waters off the country’s west coast for anchoring without permission for an extended period. The Central Regional Coast Guard says the boats are suspected of remaining illegally anchored near Yeonpyeong Island.
Officials report the ships are charged with violations of the Ship Act and the Public Waters Management and Reclamation Act. Three of the vessels are unmanned, while the other boats have crew members on board. Korea Times reports 10 crew members were aboard at the time of seizure, and says the Coast Guard carried out the operation on two occasions, at around 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Across the reports, the core details—eight Chinese boats, the location near Yeonpyeong Island, and allegations tied to prolonged, unauthorized anchoring—match. Both outlets also describe follow-up actions, including plans to escort the vessels and conduct further investigation into whether the ships were involved in other illegal activities, including illegal fishing.
