TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Coastguards seized a Chinese fishing boat on Monday (June 28) after entering Taiwan maritime territory near Penghu.

A patroller from the Coast Guard Penghu Offshore Flotilla was on a routine mission when it detected the Chinese fishing vessel “Aonanao 3120” within the border of Taiwan, 20.7 nautical miles west of Huayu islet, CNA reported. The patrol boat broadcast three radio messages ordering the ship to stop for inspection, but the Chinese crew attempted a quick escape and even threatened coastguard officers with knives and iron bars.

In the end, the officers managed to board the ship after taking out their shotguns and found 760 kilograms of fish on board, which they dumped into the ocean, per CNA. After the vessel was towed to Penghu, the Penghu health office disinfected the boat and its crew members all tested negative for COVID-19.

The case will be dealt with on the basis of Law governing relations between the inhabitants of the Taiwan area and the mainland.

The Penghu offshore flotilla said a total of six Chinese fishing vessels have been seized for illegally crossing the border this year.