Chinese Embassy in South Africa said that miscommunication has led to a recent detainment of a Chinese fishing boat in the country.

A Chinese fishing vessel, named Lu Huang Yuan Yu 186, was reportedly detained by South African authorities for illegal fishing last Saturday.

"There are neither indications nor evidence that the fishing vessel carried out illegal fishing in South African Exclusive Economic Zone," said Yu Yong, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy, during a press conference on Friday.

According to the spokesperson, the fishing vessel was on its way to the Republic of Congo for legal fishing when it had to enter South African waters due to inclement weather.

Some misunderstandings ensued between the Chinese crew and South African law enforcement due to the language barrier.

After the detainment, the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Cape Town have communicated with South African departments concerned, and are helping local authorities on investigations.

The South Africa Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) claimed that nine vessels were spotted in South African territorial waters on May 14.

However, earlier reports suggest that DAFF did not find fish on board the vessel.