Source: Focus Taiwan
A Federated States of Micronesia court is scheduled to open a second trial on July 14 to hear the case of a Taiwanese fishing boat and captain that have been detained in the South Pacific island nation for two months, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.
The Sheng Feng Yi tuna fishing boat from southern Taiwan's Pingtung County was taken into custody by Micronesian authorities in early May for allegedly operating in Micronesian waters illegally.
After two months of mediation through diplomatic channels, seven crew members have been released and returned to Taiwan, but the captain, surnamed Chen, remains in custody.
Although Micronesian authorities agreed to lower terms for a settlement with Chen, ministry officials quoted the Taiwanese skipper as saying that he was unable to pay the money and that he was resolved to clear his name in court.
Micronesian prosecutors have demanded that the Taiwan fishing boat and its catch be confiscated. They also asked Chen to pay US$33,000 for storing the ship and detaining its crew, a fine of US$200,000 in a civil lawsuit, and a fine of between US$100,000 and US$1 million in a criminal lawsuit.
Ministry officials called for assistance from other government fishing authorities and private fishing groups.