Six Chinese deckhands on a sand dredger have been arrested in waters off the outlying island of Kinmen for illegal sand dredging, Kinmen Coast Guard officials said Sunday, reports focustaiwan.tw.
Fujian-registered Hairun No. 99269 had trespassed into waters off northeastern Kinmen and illegally dredged sand from the seabed.
Disciplinary action will be taken against the detained crew members, according to Kinmen County government officials.
China’s construction boom has created a strong demand for sand, a key element in making concrete, fueling an explosion in illegal sea sand dredging.
[mappress] Dredging Today Staff, July 23, 2012