16 May 2007

New Caledonia probes activity of Taiwanese fishing vessel

12:52 pm on 16 May 2007

A court case is about to open in New Caledonia over the interception of a Taiwanese fishing vessel in the territory's waters.

The ship, the Jing Chuen 68, was spotted last week suspected of fishing illegally in New Caledonia's exclusive economic zone.

The French navy patrol boat La Glorieuse tried to establish contact with the fishing vessel, but did not get any response.

The navy then decided to board the ship and escort it to port, detaining its 15-strong crew.

French maritime affairs and the public prosecutor in New Caledonia have lodged a case in court over the incident.