Japanese crab fishing boat seized by Russian authorities

A crab fishing boat from the western Japan prefecture of Shimane has been seized by Russian authorities in the Sea of Japan for allegedly fishing illegally in Russia's exclusive economic zone, prefectural officials said Saturday.

The Nishino Maru No. 68 with 10 crew members was seized on Wednesday after leaving port on Jan. 26, according to the officials.

The Japanese consulate general in Vladivostok said the boat was taken to Nakhodka, 90 kilometers east of Vladivostok. It said it is gathering further information.

In late January 2009, a crab fishing boat from Tottori Prefecture was seized by Russian authorities for allegedly fishing illegally in Russia's EEZ. All 10 crew members were released in early February that year after making a payment to Russian authorities.