Mard reports on Vietnamese fishing boats seized by Indonesia

An Indonesian sea patrol intercepted the boats on May 21^st, at a location roughly 18 nautical miles north of the continental shelf boundary between Vietnam and Indonesia. At the request of Vietnamese authorities, most of the fishermen and 4 of the 5 fishing boats have been released. During the interception, the remaining Vietnamese boats sank. Vietnamese coastline forces were able to rescue an Indonesian officer. Vietnam is now requesting that Indonesia release the remaining fishermen. The two sides are working together to resolve the incident in the spirit of friendly relations and strategic partnership between the two nations.