Thai, RI fishing boats collide

Thai, RI fishing boats collide

THAILAND: Six Thai fishermen have been rescued after their boat collided with an Indonesian fishing trawler in disputed international waters, Thai television reported on Sunday, but it was unclear if any other sailors were missing.

Thai navy rescue and patrol vessels went to the area after the crash on Saturday night but Indonesian vessels had already rescued at least six Thai fishermen, broadcaster ITV said.

ITV quoted marine police lieutenant Anusas Tosing as saying the vessels had collided 200 nautical miles off Thailand's shoreline.

Last month Indonesian police and troops arrested 19 Thai fishermen deemed to be fishing illegally off Aceh province on Sumatra island.

In January, Indonesian soldiers arrested 18 Thai fishermen after a gunfight when they were caught illegally entering Indonesian waters, also off Aceh. --AFP