Video: Chinese Ship Without A Name Or Registration Seized Off Taiwan’s Coast

Taiwan’s Coast Guard has seized a Chinese fuel barge that was operating illegally in restricted waters off the northwest coast. The vessel had no name, registration, or home port, making it a “three-no” ship.

Authorities suspect it was supplying fuel to Chinese fishing boats that were unlawfully present in Taiwanese waters. The vessel and its crew have been detained for investigation.

The incident occurred on March 23, when an unidentified vessel entered a restricted zone about 20 nautical miles (37 km) northwest of Yongan Fishing Port, located in the Xinwu District of Taoyuan.

Taiwanese authorities detected the ship travelling approximately three nautical miles inside the restricted area. The Coast Guard attempted to contact the vessel multiple times, but it ignored the hails and continued its course.

When a patrol boat moved in for inspection, the vessel attempted to evade by zigzagging through the waters. Coast Guard personnel eventually intercepted and boarded the ship.

They found that the vessel had no visible name, and markings appeared to have been painted over or removed. Also, there were no registration documents on board.

Video Credits: Allan Jordan/YouTube

The Coast Guard found that the vessel was carrying around 500,000 liters of fuel, along with pipe equipment used for fuel transfer. Authorities believe it was attempting to supply fuel to Chinese fishing vessels that were illegally operating in the area.

There were six crew members on board, all suspected to be Chinese nationals. However, none of them had identification documents. The ship was escorted to the Port of Taipei for further investigation, and the crew members were taken into custody.

Chinese ships have continuously been involved in several incidents. In January, a Chinese-owned vessel was accused of damaging an undersea communication cable.

In February, the Coast Guard intercepted a vessel that had dragged its anchor, damaging more cables. Just ten days ago, Taiwan expelled a Chinese research vessel that was operating in a restricted zone and deploying equipment into the water.

The detention of the fuel barge falls under Taiwan’s Cross-Strait Act, which governs maritime incursions by unauthorised vessels.

Authorities have the power to impose penalties such as expulsion, detention, vessel confiscation, and administrative fines. According to regulations, a ruling on the detained vessel must be issued within three months.

Since the six crew members lacked identification, they have been instructed to contact their friends or relatives via messaging apps to provide verification documents.

They will remain in custody at a local Coast Guard detention centre until their identities are confirmed.

Once the verification process is complete, they will be fined under Taiwanese regulations and will only be deported after making the required payments.

References: taiwannews, straitstimes

Source: Maritime Shipping News