This is the second major arrest made by the Gambian navy of people illegally fishing in Gambian waters this year. Couple of months ago, two trawlers one of which belongs to a Chinese has also been intercepted.
The Gambia Navy’s patrol boat, GNS Musa Maliya, on December 1 intercepted a Senegalese fishing vessel MV TADORNE (DAK 602) and arrested its crew for fishing below the 9 nautical miles in the country’s water, the army said on Tuesday.
The fishing vessel was initially hailed to stop to be boarded but failed to do so, according to a release published on the Gambia army website.
The boat was then pursued for about an hour and intercepted. The army said when it was boarded, their fishing net was hauled in for inspection.
It was found to be correct and all their documents were valid although their license clearly indicates that they were to fish beyond the 9 nautical mile perameters set for trawlers.
Their fishing log had further recorded that the vessel had previously been fishing within the prohibited zone.
MV TADORNE (DAK 602) was later escorted to Banjul fisheries jetty and presently under the custody of the Gambia Navy awaiting further action.