Reports By Leo Odera Omolo
Tanzanian police are on hot pursuit of a Taiwanese national whose traveler was impounded
for fishing illegally in Tanzanian exclusive economic zone in the Indian ocean.
The alleged Taiwanese pirate is said to holed up in Mombasa ,Kenya, from where he
coordinates fishing piracy along the Tanzanian coastal line
The traveler christened Mv Taiwan 1, was impounded on march 8th ,2009 just 48 hours after
a patrol vessel to stem illegal fishing was launched in the Indian ocean
The vessel had more than 100 tones of tuna fish in its hold .The haul has since been
stored at Bahari Food premises in three 40 foot container pending the court case
against the crew for illegal fishing.
The team now in custody of the Tanzanian police comprising Kenyan, Mozambique and
Tanzanian officer made the arrests.
A source privy to the police say the vessel and crew did not fly high flag so its origin
could not be established besides the Kenyans, the crew comprised sailors from
China(15),Philippines(8) Vietnamese(5) and Indonesia six.
The patrol vessel MV Sarah Bartman was launched on Friday ,March 23, 2009 by the minister
for livestock development and fisheries John P. Magutuli, together with the head of
marine force ,Brigadier General Said Omar, and south African deputy director of
environment Keith Govendor
Mr. magutuli said the era of illegal fishing in Tanzania s exclusive economic zone (EEC)
was over. ?Since only three of the crew had valid vaccination certificates ,we will
vaccuate then forth before locking up,? said Mr. Magutuli
He explained that under the deep sea fishing act ,2007 such offences attract a penalty
Usd 15.5 million (Tan 20 billion ) or confiscation of the vessel or both fine torture
of traveler.
Maguti said this was in the right time for the country history that a suspected illegal
traveler and crew with such a huge fish catch been held.
Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete recently invited the patrol team to State House for a
meeting , while the Minister gave them Maasai carvings, attire and a club in appreciation
Mr. kikwete said the arrest followed fruitfull conclusion of a recent ministerial
meetings in Swaziland where recommendations were made that big nations in the Southern
Africa Development Community (SADC) like south Africa ,assist member countries countries
to curb illegal fishing in their respective ?..
At the SADC meeting last July, ministers responsible for fishing in SADC agreed to
conduct a joint patrol among member states bordering ,unregulated and unreported fishing
The head of the four nations surveillance team ,Keith G, said the crew of the impounded
vessel tried to speed off after they were confronted and called to stop
But the patrol team in mv Sarah Bartam gave chase and caught up with them. By then the
travelers had switched off its rador ,an act unusual practice on the high seas.
Last week a Chinese identified as Ho Hanqing ,surrendered to Tanzania police claiming
to be the agent of the impounded vessel.
Tanzania loses more than Usd 200 million from illegal fishing .estimated have put the
number of travelers that engage in the illegal fishing as over 70 m number
ENDS
leooderaomolo@yahoo.com
– – –
Date: Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:12:08 -0700 [10:12:08 AM CDT]
From: Leo Odera Omolo
Subject: ALLIED SADC FORCES NOW PATROL INDIAM OCEAN NETS ILLEGAL TAIWAN FISH TRAWLER
OFF TANZANIA COAST LINE AS POLICE HUNTS VESSELS BOSS