The Ant Takes Down the Elephant?

A tiny country Vanuatu detains Chinese fishing boats, Russian yacht

NepalPress

January 30, 2021

The small Pacific island nation of Vanuatu has detained two Chinese fishing boats and a Russian yacht due to concerns the vessels were operating illegally in its waters, police said.

It is believed to be the first time authorities in Vanuatu have detained Chinese fishing vessels.

The Chinese boats, Dong Gang Xing 13 and 16, were apprehended by a police patrol boat on January 19 near Hiu island in Vanuatu’s northern waters, according to police.

The boats are currently moored in Port Vila, as 14 Chinese nationals undergo Covid-19 quarantine before being questioned on suspicion of illegal fishing.

While accompanying the Chinese vessels back to the capital, the patrol boat also spotted a Russian yacht near Luganville, police said.