The Taiwanese fishing vessel "Hongcaitou No. 6" was reportedly operating illegally in Japan's economic waters near Yonaguni Island, Okinawa, on the 20th and was detained by the Japanese Fisheries Agency. Captain Liu Mingqing, aged 58, along with five crew members, were arrested, marking the first Taiwanese fishing vessel seized for illegal operations this year.

The Coast Guard Administration indicated that they handled the matter through diplomatic channels with Japan, providing necessary assistance. The vessel's owner has paid a bond of NT$630,000 and was released to return to Taiwan around 1 PM.

According to the Fisheries Agency's announcement, at 9:27 AM yesterday, patrol vessel "Fengxiang Maru" discovered "Hongcaitou No. 6" operating without authorization, violating articles of the law regarding exercising fishing rights in exclusive economic zones. The vessel is a combined longline and trolling fishing boat with a total tonnage of 19.90 tons, carrying four Taiwanese and two Indonesian crew members at the time. Japanese authorities are conducting further investigations and actions regarding this vessel.

Chen Chuncheng, Secretary-General of the Su'ao Fishermen's Association, expressed regret over the captain's detention, noting that the ship owner did not report the incident to the association or request assistance through formal channels, making it difficult to intervene but they are actively inquiring to provide necessary support and coordinate the resolution.