MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

“John Cheek” delayed for another two weeks

Argentine authorities have delayed another two weeks a decision regarding the Falklands flagged fishing vessel “John Cheek” currently retained in Comodoro Rivadavia for allegedly illegally fishing in Argentina's EEZ, reports a Spanish newspaper.

Comodoro Rivadavia Coast Guard Commander Eduardo Coutiño is quoted in Sunday's edition of "Opinion" from La Coruña, Galicia, arguing that the time elapsed since having delivered to (Argentine) federal authorities the official report on the "John Cheek" incident was "not abnormal", and in line with the foreseeable framework for such cases.

"John Cheek" under Captain Jaime Cortizo from Galicia was arrested and escorted to Argentina last February 20. Seven Spanish members of the 31 crew remain on board while the rest have flown back to their countries of origin, Spain, Chile and Peru.

If the Argentine Fisheries Under-Secretariat finally confirms the illegal fishing transgression the owners of "John Cheek" would have to pay a fine equivalent to 600.000 US dollars plus the seizure of the catch on board and the fishing gear.

Captain Cortizo has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and collaborated with the authorities from the very moment he was ordered to stop the vessel and a boarding party sent to the "John Cheek".

She was carrying 100 tons of squid and hake.