Vietnam boat detained for illegal fishing in Brunei

The Vietnam vessel that has been held by the Royal Brunei Navy at the Brunei Port. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): A Vietnamese fishing vessel with five crew members who allegedly encroached the waters of Brunei Darussalam for illegal fishing was detained by Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) personnel on Friday night, said officials on Saturday (June 13).

The vessel and the five Vietnamese crew including the captain were handed over to the Marine Police, Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) for further investigations.

Marine Police Commanding Officer Superintendent of Police Haji Mahran Haji Ahmad revealed these at a press conference.

Superintendent of Police Haji Mahran said this is the first case of illegal fishing by a foreign vessel detected in Brunei waters in 2020.

He said if found guilty under Section 17 (1) of the Fisheries Order 2009, the captain of the vessel will be fined not more than BND100,000 or five years’ imprisonment or both while the vessel crew members will be fined not more than BND2,500 or a year’s imprisonment or both.

The case is under investigation.

Marine Police Operation Officer 2 ASP Ismail bin Ibrahim was also present at the press conference.

The Marine Police Commanding Officer also requested the public to inform the police of any criminal activities in the waters of Brunei Darussalam. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN