The Victoria Mxenge was undertaking a routine patrol when it came across the Da Yuan Yu #139 approximately 3 nautical miles off Cape St Francis, on the east coast. The Da Yuan Yu #139 , was requested to stop for an inspection, but ignored the call. After repeated calls and signals to stop were ignored, the Victoria Mxenge requested the assistance of the South African National Defence Force.

The South African Air Force helicopter air lifted up two Departmental Fishery Control Officers from the Victoria Mxenge , Sifiso Xaba and Leon le Roux, and deployed them on the Da Yuan Yu #139 to carry out the apprehension.

The vessel is being escorted by the Victoria Mxenge to the PE harbour where a full inspection will be conducted. Both vessels are expected to dock in the harbour later tonight.

The Da Yuan Yu #139 has a permit issued by the Department to be in possession of fishing gear but has no authorisation to fish in South African waters.

The Department took delivery of the Victoria Mxenge in September this year. The Victoria Mxenge and her sister vessels the Lillian Ngoyi, Ruth First and the off-shore protection vessel Sarah Baartman were commissioned at a cost of R440 million to strengthen the Departments ability to protect South Africa valuable fish resources. The Department has initiated a high visibility compliance strategy for the festive season and has deployed all of its environmental protection vessels along the South African Coast to combat illegal fishing.

Victoria Mxenge, the woman after which the vessel has been named and whom is remembered for her fierceless struggle against injustices, was born in the Eastern Cape.

In another incident, the Lillian Ngoyi which was called in to assist the Victoria Mxenge in the apprehension of the Da Yuan Yu #139 , when it was forced to break off to intercept a vessel suspected of poaching abalone. A high speed inshore craft, together with diving gear and other equipment was seized and nine persons on board were arrested.