n Indonesian navigator filed a report to the vessel's operator in Busan after the incident took place.

The two alleged culprits, both aged 32, are known to have been overpowered by the other fishermen aboard the 138-ton vessel and have been locked up, according to the Coast Guard.

A total of 18 fishermen, including three South Koreans, seven Vietnamese and eight Indonesians, were on the boat, according to the authorities.

Authorities said the vessel is now being navigated by a 50-year-old South Korean sailor, identified only by his surname Lee, and should reach the Seychelles in about four days. 

The sailor told Yonhap News Agency via satellite telephone that the two suspects were good workers who had not complained much and not expressed any dissatisfaction with working conditions. He suspected that the incident might have taken place after they drank liquor given to the crew by the captain for a job well done, and as the ship was heading for new fishing grounds. He said that he suffered minor injuries while disarming the two culprits.

The South Korean Coast Guard said it is planning to dispatch its officials to the island country for further investigation.

South Korea's foreign ministry said that it will seek cooperation from the Coast Guard and local authorities in investigating the suspects, and carry out other necessary judicial procedures when the vessel arrives at the Seychelles. (Yonhap)