Cops in high-speed boat chase
2009-07-02 13:16
Johannesburg - Nine suspected abalone poachers were arrested at sea following a high-speed boat chase near Robben Island, Cape Town police said on Thursday.
Captain Frederick van Wyk said police attached to the Diving Unit and the Sea Borderline noticed a "suspicious looking ski-boat" operating about 50m from Robben Island on Tuesday evening at around 23:00.
"According to the marine and coastal management regulations, one may not be within one nautical sea mile from Robben Island which is a national heritage site," said Van Wyk.
The boat, fitted with two double 200 Watt V6 Yamaha engines, sped off when the two police vessels flashed their blue lights.
"The situation developed into a dangerous wild chase with members' lives at risk," said Van Wyk.
The two police vessels eventually boxed in the ski-boat and shot at one of the engines.
"The members managed to board the boat and arrested nine suspects."
The police confiscated diving equipment and elements used to haul out abalone (perlemoen) were found on the boat.
"Together with the boat, the total value of the confiscated equipment is estimated to be R1.6m."
Those arrested face charges of attempted murder, possession of prohibited gear and equipment in a prohibited area and operating a vessel without navigation.
No abalone was found on the boat.
"They were about to start diving," said Van Wyk.
- SAPA