Three Chinese vessels recently detained by the South African authorities for entering South African waters were forced to do so due to bad weather, Yu Yong, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, said. 

Briefing the media, Yu said the three fishing vessels, which are licensed to fish on the high seas, were on their way back from the Southwest Atlantic Ocean when they had to enter South African waters on May 24 due to bad weather. 

The detainment has drawn some local as well as international attention.  

Yu said the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Cape Town are in touch with the South African authorities and have offered, along with the local Chinese community, assistance to the crew.  

He also said the Chinese authorities will work together with their South African counterparts for a speedy resolution.