Two modern Chinese chokka long-line vessels and a rusty Indonesian fishing vessel have been seized in a joint operation off the Eastern Cape and found with 600 tons of chokka in their holds.

“The capturing of these vessels indicates our seriousness as a country to protect our territorial and exclusive economic zone. We cannot tolerate the plundering of our marine resources‚ which are a source of food security and play a huge role in realising our goals in Operation Phakisa. We are also looking into the sudden influx of these vessels in our waters‚“ said Agriculture‚ Forestry and Fisheries Department (Daff) Minister Senzeni Zokwana in a statement.

The vessels are under guard in East London port and will be inspected on Monday by an array of state departments.

In a joint statement‚ the SA National Defence Force‚ (SANDF) Daff and the SA Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa)‚ said a combined patrol had to work hard to bring the two unruly Chinese vessels to port.

The three fishing ships arrived under Daff escort in East London port last night‚ with the navy's SAS Drakensberg providing the muscle.

Police‚ SARS‚ customs‚ home affairs‚ and Samsa officials piled onto the vessels and found 340 tons of chokka on the Fu Yuan Yu 7880‚ 60 tons on the Fu Yang Yu 7881 and 200 tons on the Indonesian vessel‚ Run Da 617.

On Friday‚ the SA force's monitoring system picked up the two Chinese long-liners with fishing gear on board and no permission to enter the SA exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Radio instructions to the vessels to head for East London port resulted in the vessels speeding off. SA forces had to twice intercept the vessels and finally boarded them.

Fish‚ chokka and gear were found on board and no permits.

On the way to East London port‚ the fleet encountered another foreign fishing vessel also with catch and no permit. It was also told to head for East London.

An array of charges are being contemplated against the vessels‚ which include not complying with lawful instructions and infringing conservation measures.

Daff and SAPS are busy with registration of the criminal docket‚ after which it will be handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for a decision.

-TMG Digital/Daily Dispatch