Chinese ships fined R400,000 for illegal entry into SA waters

Foreign fishing fleet guarded in Cape Town harbour until R400,000 fine paid. Four Chinese-flagged fishing vessels were dramatically intercepted after slipping into South African waters, allegedly without permission, sparking a rapid response from authorities and a hefty fine of R400,000. “South Africa will not tolerate the unlawful use of its maritime zones,” said the Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Willie Aucamp.

“We remain resolute in safeguarding our marine resources and ensuring that ourportsare not perceived as ports of convenience. Compliance with our laws is non-negotiable.” The vessels,Zhong Yang 231,Zhong Yang 232,Zhong Yang 233andZhong Yang 239, were caught after entering South Africa’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and territorial waters without the required authorisation. Officials from the DFFE, working with a South African Police Service (Saps) tactical team, tracked the ships before placing them under guard at the Port of Cape Town anchorage.

According to the department, the ships had initially claimed they would simply pass through the area. The vessels requested permission on February 23, to travel through the EEZ under “innocent passage”, saying they would leave by March 3. But suspicions grew after the vessels also applied for Off-Port Limits authorisation without providing the required justification.