Taiwanese fishing boat intercepted by Japan, crew interrogated

A Taiwanese fishing vessel was intercepted by a Japanese Fisheries Agency vessel for allegedly operating in Japanese waters early Friday morning, Focus Taiwan reports.

According to Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA), the incident occurred approximately 288 nautical miles northeast of Pengjia Islet around 1 a.m. local time.

Japanese fishery officials boarded the Keelung-registered vessel, Fu Yang No. 266, and interrogated the Taiwanese captain along with two crew members. The boat also carried six Indonesian fishery workers.

Upon receiving the report at 6:50 a.m., Taiwan's CGA immediately dispatched a Nantou-class patrol vessel to the scene. According to CGA, the Taiwanese crew is suspected of illegally entering waters near Japan's Amami Ōshima for fishing purposes.

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Taiwan's authorities are in communication with Japanese officials to gather more information and provide support to the boat's owner and crew.

Meanwhile, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has urged Japan to release the vessel and its crew promptly.

MOFA has expressed concern to Japanese authorities and assured continued monitoring of the situation, offering assistance as needed.