18 Chinese vessels probed for entering PH waters at height of ‘Ruby’

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Authorities on Monday said they have started investigating 18 Chinese fishing vessels that entered Philippine waters reportedly to seek shelter at the height of Typhoon Ruby.

The fishing vessels were spotted and intercepted near Sacol Island around 1 p.m.

Customs Security Chief Sammy Labay said that they were investigating possible violations after the vessels entered Philippine seas without informing competent authority.

A ship officer reportedly told authorities that the vessels came from Indonesia and were on their way to China when they decided to seek shelter in southern Philippines to avoid typhoon Ruby (Hagupit), which had lost some of its strength and has been re-classified as a tropical storm.

Labay said they had difficulties communicating with the Chinese due to language barrier.

He said they also wanted to know where the tons of fish found on the vessels were caught.

The inspection on the vessels was done by the Philippine Navy, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Immigration and Deportation and the Philippine Coast Guard.