A Chinese squid jigging vessel identified as fishing illegally in Argentinian waters is reported to have been sunk by a pursuing Argentinian Coastguard vessel after warning shots were first fired. All 32 crew members are reported to be safe.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said that urgent representations have been made to Argentina over the case. The Argentinian Coastguard service reported that the Lu Yan Yuan Yu 010 was located in Argentina’s southern EEZ and attempts were made to head it off as it made for international waters, during which warning shots were fired.
‘The vessel was hailed over radio (in Spanish and English) and both visual and audio signals were sent to make contact. However, the vessel turned off its fishing lights and proceeded to flee towards international waters without responding to repeated calls over various frequencies,’ the Coastguard stated.
‘On several occasions, the offending vessel manoeuvred in such a way as to force a collision with the coastguard, putting at risk not only its own crew but coastguard personnel, who were then ordered to shoot parts of the vessel.’
A thorough investigation into the incident has been demanded by China.
