Mutiny, murder on the high seas Wed Mutiny, Murder on the High Seas of Northern Cook Islands Nine Indonesian crew members of a Taiwanese fishing vessel were arrested last weekend after a high seas drama that unfolded in the northern waters of the Cook Islands. Early Saturday morning during a pre-dawn raid, Taiwanese coast guard officers armed with handguns boarded the Te Hung Hsing No.368, which was found between the islands of Pukapuka and Penrhyn. Upon the boarding, it was reported the fishing vessel’s Taiwanese skipper and engineer were missing. Taiwanese authorities believe the Indonesian crew threw the victims overboard in an alleged mutiny. The captain and engineer have yet to be accounted for. The Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR), which holds surveillance responsibilities, began tracking both vessels on Friday after being notified by Taiwanese officials. “It is suspected to be hijacked, and the Taiwan Coast Guard has sent a patrol vessel to intercept the fishing vessel,” wrote a Taiwanese government official with the foreign ministry. “If there is anyone on board requiring urgent medical treatment, the patrol boat will escort the fishing boat to the nearest location that can provide medical assistance.” No injuries were reported during last Saturday’s operation. Investigators and immigration officials in Taiwan are scheduled to be dispatched to the vessel to look into the matter. The vessel is currently being towed back to the island nation of Taiwan by the coast guard, where it is expected arrive on August 20. cinews.co.ck
Posted on: Fri, 02 Aug 2013 04:59:17 +0000
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