Maputo, Mozambique — The Mozambican police has disclosed that the 13 tonnes of prawns illegally fished, and seized on Tuesday in a ship in the Mozambique Channel, were to be shipped to neighbouring South Africa.

The ship was seized near the town of Xai-Xai, capital of the southern Mozambican province of Gaza, along with its 13 strong crew.

The Gaza police commander, Custodio Zandamela, told the Mozambique news agency (AIM) that although the vessel, named as "Wang Weng", was seized near Xai-Xai, it had fished off the coast of Inhambane province.

The police have not yet disclosed the name of the alleged owner of the catch, who was also arrested following investigations. However, he was identified as a Mozambican businessman who has for years been in the fishing business based in Xai-Xai.

The crew consisted of five Indonesians, three Koreans, and five Mozambicans, who are under police custody for further investigations.