Authorities issue strong warning for fishing vessels unlawfully entering SA's territorial waters

Authorities are issuing a strong warning after four Chinese-flagged fishing vessels were intercepted for unlawfully entering South Africa’s territorial waters.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) tactical team, tracked the vessels after they entered the country’s exclusive economic zone without authorisation.

Investigations revealed the vessels had already moved within 12 nautical miles of the KwaZulu-Natal coast and were monitored travelling along the Eastern Cape coastline.

Spokesperson Zolile Nqayi said that the vessels initially requested permission to pass through SA waters under  “innocent passage”.

They were later placed under guard at the port of Cape Town anchorage while compliance checks were conducted.

"The masters of the vessels were charged, and an administrative penalty of R400,000 was imposed. The vessel owner subsequently paid the fine, after which the vessels were released and have departed South African waters."