The crew of a Chinese vessel who have been detained in Palau since 12 December will be released without charge, Palau s attorney general said on Wednesday.
The vessel and its 28 crew were https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/433079/palau-investigates-detained-chinese-fishing-vessel-and-crew spotted by a patrol boat at Helen s Reef], in Palau s territorial waters, harvesting sea cucumber earlier this month.
Chinese vessel with 28 crew detained in Palau. Supplied
Photo: Supplied
The chief of staff at the Ministry of Justice, Earnest Ongidobel, said the vessel would be stripped of all its small boats, engines, and fishing equipment and ordered to leave the country. They will be given just enough fuel and food supplies for a one way trip home, Ongidobel said, adding that the vessel would be escorted out of Palau waters by a patrol boat.