Taiwanese fishing boat captured off Batanes

BASCO, Batanes, Philippines – Taiwanese fishermen apprehended near Mavidis Island in Itbayat on Thursday are the latest addition to the increasing number of foreign fishermen detained here.

A seaborne patrol led by Itbayat town police chief Edgar Pattaui, assisted by members of the Bantay Dagat chanced upon the intruders while fishing within the country’s territorial waters. Deputy Police Provincial Director Cornelio Tadena Jr. identified the fishermen as boat captain You Jenq Shyong, 66; You Tian Shuenn, 71; Li Te Fu, 54, You Sheng Juh, 39; and Zhng Xiang Dong, 36.

Tadena said except for Zheng, who is from the People’s Republic of China, all the others are from Taiwan.

Their fishing boat is moored at the Basco pier beside another Taiwanese fishing boat, with five crewmen, which was apprehended also in Mavidis Island on Dec. 4 last year. Two other Vietnamese fishing boats and their 21 crewmen are also being held here, since March 24 and April 4, respectively.

Local health authorities here have repeatedly expressed apprehension because of the continuous intrusion and subsequent apprehension of foreign fishermen. The authorities say the present sanitary and health conditions where the fishermen are being held is no longer conducive to healthful living. - Jack Castaño