YOKOHAMA, Japan - The Japan Coast Guard has detained a Chinese fishing boat captain near the Ogasawara island chain for fishing in Japan's territorial waters, according to local media on Thursday.
Lin Zongyong, captain of the 132-ton Minxiayu 05128, was arrested on Wednesday at around 06:00 pm local time after allegedly ignoring the coast guard's order to stop and refusing its onboard inspections in violation of the fisheries law.
A Japan's patrol vessel chased the fishing boat. Coast guard officers then boarded onto the fishing boat and made it stop in waters about 17 km southwest of Yome Island. The captain and others on board did not resist, it added.
The Chinese embassy to Japan is investigating the case and had urged the Japanese authorities to ensure the safety of the Chinese fishermen and make sure that their legal rights are protected.