Chinese fishing boat detained in Japanese waters

TOKYO - The Chinese Consulate General in Fukuoka confirmed that Japanese coast guard detained a Chinese fishing boat Saturday for alleged unauthorized coral fishing in Japanese waters.

The incident took place at around 8:53 am local time at waters 44 km northeast of Japan's Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture, according to the consulate.

A total of 13 crew members were on board when the boat, which registered in China's Hainan province, was detained, according to Japan's coast guard. The Japanese side also said the sailors are all Chinese nationals.

The captain, along with two other sailors, was transferred to Miyako Island by Japan's patrol vessels, while the other sailors and the boat were still in the place where they were caught.

The consulate said the Japanese coast guard can not provide further details as the captain did not carry relevant files related to the sailors and the boat.

The consulate will send officials to make sure whether all the sailors are Chinese nationals and has urged Japanese side to ensure the safety of the sailors and will visit the captain when he arrived at Miyako.