Six South Korean fishing vessels in Sierra Leone's territorial waters have been seized by local authorities.

The Internet edition of the BBC quoted a navy spokesman as saying the South Korean vessels were caught poaching fish and shrimp in Sierra Leone's waters.

The vessels have been held since the weekend in Sierra Leone's capital of Freetown. If found guilty of violating local law, each vessel would be subject to a 30 thousand dollar fine and the loss of their catch.

Sierra Leone's Defense Ministry spokesman said the navy was conducting normal patrols when it came upon the vessels.