Armed Gabonese marines were able to quickly secure the Chinese-flagged Haixin 27 as it was detected crossing into Gabonese waters from neighboring Republic of Congo (ROC) while Gabonese fisheries enforcement officers uncovered that the fish hold was full despite the vessel carrying no fishing logbook.

Although the Haixin 27 was not actively fishing at the time of apprehension, electronic evidence seized on board proves the Haixin 27 has a history of fishing illegally in Gabon.

The Bob Barker handed over the Haixin 27 to a Gabonese Navy riverine patrol boat (RPB) and after a 24-hour transit, the trawler arrived in Port Gentil for the commencement of further investigations and legal proceedings.