A Vietnamese "blue boat". Photo: AFP
The French authorities in New Caledonia have deported 13 Vietnamese fishermen caught fishing illegally last month.
The territory's daily newspaper says nine officers accompanied the men on scheduled flights to Vietnam, with the French state paying their fares.
The fishermen were caught along with the crew of two other blue boats in the north of the territory.
The captains of the three vessels were jailed for illegally fishing in New Caledonia's waters but two vessels fled from Noumea.
Because of a break-down of the only naval vessel, the French Navy failed to pursue the two boats.
Last week, another blue boat was intercepted and its crew taken to Noumea.