Maputo, Mozambique — A ship illegally carrying 13 tonnes of prawns was seized Tuesday along with its crew in the Mozambique Channel near the town of Xai-Xai, capital of the southern Mozambican province of Gaza, the daily paper, Noticias reported Wednesday.

Gaza police commander Custodio Zandamela could immediately give the origin of the ship, named "Wang Weng".

But he told reporters that five Indonesians, three Koreans and five Mozambicans are among the crew, who are under police custody for further investigations.

The police enquiries so far have led to the alleged owner of the ship, who was also arrested, along with his employees.

He was identified as Mozambican businessmen who has been operating in the sale of fisheries products in Xai-Xai. But police declined to release his name.

In addition to the 13 tonnes of prawns on board the vessel, an additional half a tonne was found on shore.

Zandamela said that investigations are continuing to determine the origin and destiny of the apprehended merchandise, as well as to identify anyone else involved in the business.