Myanmar’s Navy captured an illegal Indonesian fishing vessel with a crew of 23 Indonesians on board within Myanmar sea territory near Zardatgyi Island in Kawthoung Township, Taninthayi Region on February 6, sources said.

The Navy vessel (558) led by Major Pyae Sone Aung was patrolling and found a suspect vessel with 62 feet in length and 18 feet in width.

“The navy handed them over to us on February 7. The fishery department in Kawthoung district took action under Section 31 of Law relating to the Fishing Rights of Foreign Fishing Vessels. The immigration department will take action on the crew members,” said Thant Zin, head of the fishery department in Kawthoung district.

One of the crew men said they sailed from Aceh Timur in Indonesia on January 29 and all crew members are from there. They entered Myanmar sea territory to catch more fish as they caught only a small amount in Indonesian waters.

The illegal fishing vessel was kept under control in Kawthoung port and the authorities are planning to take action on its 23 crew members.