Navy impounds fishing vessels

SURABAYA, East Java: Four vessels manned by Thai crews have been detained by the Indonesian Navy after they were found in violation of their fishing permits, a Navy officer said yesterday.

The KM Lautan I, KM Lautan II, KM Jawa Indah and KM Penang VI were caught going beyond permitted exploitation areas in Indonesia's territorial waters, spokesman of the Navy's Eastern Fleet, Lt. Col. Eddy Irawan, was quoted by Antara as saying.

Irawan said the vessels were seen dropping anchor in areas not specified in their fishing permits as the Indonesian warship, KRI Kakap 811, patrolled the Karimata Straits.

He said the ships were empty but were suspected of illegal fishing as their nets were ready for casting.

All crew members were Thai nationals, he added.

The vessels were brought to the naval station in Kuala Buang, Samuda, Sampit in South Kalimantan province, but will be moved to the Banjarmasin Naval Base for further investigation, Irawan said. (mds)