The 40 crew members of three Vietnamese blue boats caught fishing illegally in Solomon Islands in March are to be repatriated later this month at the expense of their families.
Vietnamese blue boats seized on Sunday in Solomon Islands Rennell and Bellona province, for allegedly fishing illegally off of Indispensable Reef, dock at the Patrol Boat Base in Honiara on Wednesday 29-03-2017. Photo: RNZI/Supplied by Frank Aote’e
Court fines of $US100 each for illegal entry into Solomon Islands will also be paid by their family members.
The Solomon Star newspaper reports that a total of $US4,300 has been given to the Vietnamese Embassy in Canberra by the men's families to be wired to the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Honiara.
Local courts have extended their remand in custody to the 22nd of this month pending the payment of their fines and repatriation costs.
The Solomon Star reports the three captains of the boats are to appear for their first hearing in the high court on Friday.
They are facing multiple charges related to illegal fishing and immigration violations.
If convicted the captains could be fined up to $US1.5 million and or spend up to three years in prison.