The Fiji Navy is on guard against a Korean-owned fishing vessel, which escaped from Kiribati waters following allegations that it carried out illegal fishing activities including overfishing.

Fiji Navy Maritime Commander Lieutenant-Commander Bradley Bower said they were notified on Friday by Greenpeace Fiji about the vessel.

He said if sighted within Fiji waters, the vessel, Kwondon 117, would be arrested.

"The normal procedures are in place to monitor our sea front, and we will arrest and take necessary action if the vessel is sighted,"he said last night.

Greenpeace Fiji alerted border control authorities after they were informed of a fishing vessel, which escaped Kiribati waters after it was alleged to have overfished.

Immigration department official Eroni Luveni was not available when contacted at his residence last night.

It is believed other authorities including police customs, immigration and the Ministry of Fisheries were alerted.

"This is a serious matter and it is important that our local authorities keep a close watch at sea just in case they come to our shores,"a Greenpeace spokesperson, who did not wish to be named, said earlier.

Greenpeace is also believed to be involved in investigations to ascertain whether the Korean-owned company had previously done business in Fiji.

According to a statement by Greenpeace, the Dongwon 117 has been at sea for more than a year and has consistently failed to report to relevant authorities all this time.

It said that the ship owners were unreliable and inconsistent in providing details of the catch on board or the location of its parent company in Korea.

Assistant police public relations officer Corporal Prashila Narayan said she access to such information would only be available on weekdays.

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