2 Chinese boats seized for alleged illegal fishing

A South Korean Jungbu Coast Guard vessel approaches a 30-ton Chinese fishing vessels (blue) in Korean waters 87 kilometers west of Incheon's Onjin County, Friday. News1

The Coast Guard seized two Chinese fishing boats in the West Sea for illegal fishing in South Korea's exclusive economic zone, officials said Saturday.

The 30-ton fishing boats captains are also facing charges of trespassing in South Korea's northern sea border area, the Northern Limit Line, a day earlier, according to the Coast Guard.

Eight Chinese crewmembers from the two boats were arrested after a chase, as they refused to comply with the Coast Guard's order to stop, however, they did not resist arrest, the coast guard added.

Local officials plan to question the crew over their illegal fishing activities.

The total number of Chinese boats seized this year in the West Sea now totals 18. (Yonhap)