Malaysia has detained 28 crewmembers aboard two Vietnam vessels on charges of fishing illegally in in waters off Miri, Sarawak.

Multiple news services reported the boat was apprehended on Monday (Apr. 3) in Malaysia-territorial waters.

Malaysian authorities said they seized roughly one metric ton of fish along with 350kg of endangered sea cucumbers.

Among the 28 crewmembers, 10 were additionally charged with suspicion of smuggling of the protected sea cucumbers.

In addition, one of the Vietnamese fishermen, Tran Van Phuong, 55, died from unknown causes after receiving emergency medical treatment.

The boats with Malaysian registration codes, One United 9 and One United 14 have been seized and taken to Pulau Melayu.

Five Vietnamese trawlers seized by Thai navy

The Thai navy has arrested five Vietnamese trawlers with 16 fishermen on board for illegal fishing in the Gulf of Thailand off the eastern province of Trat.

five vietnamese trawlers seized by thai navy  hinh 0 Naval officers on board the HTMS Khirirat patrol ship spotted five Vietnamese fishing vessels encroaching Thai waters at around 2.30pm on April 4. After sending a warning signal, the Thai patrol ship approached and searched the Vietnamese fishing vessels.

All 16 crewmen found in those vessels were subsequently caught, some of them were injured while trying to flee. The injured were given first aid. All were then taken to a naval base in Trat.

Captain Kongkrit Ponyin, commander of the HTMS Khirirat, said five Vietnamese trawlers had encroached on Thai waters to catch fish and squid for 15 days.

The capture was followed a tip-off from local fishermen.

VOV