Argentina / Peru / waters near Galápagos
One fishing trip, three country-coded AIS identities
Global Fishing Watch traced Yong Xing 1 through changes in transmitted identifiers associated with China, South Korea and Argentina. That is not the same as three verified national registrations.
Tracking-based identity analysis2020 transmissions; July 2021 analysis · Reviewed September 8, 2026
On this page
What the record establishes
Global Fishing Watch’s 2021 analysis describes Yong Xing 1 operating near Argentina and Peru with MMSI 412326889 until July 2020, then using 440106889 and 701006889 during later segments. Those prefixes correspond to China, South Korea and Argentina. The report describes sequential identity changes, not three simultaneous vessels.60
The analysis also associates the broadcast name Hong Rui 198 with parts of this track. A SPRFMO record supplies a separate identity anchor for the Chinese vessel Yong Xing 1, IMO 8776497. Names and broadcast aliases should be checked against stable hull identifiers and dated records.6072
Why it matters
A database organized only by broadcast name or MMSI can fragment one voyage into several apparent vessels. Readers need to see the identity chain and the confidence of each match. This is a concrete identity-risk example, while the legal question of fraudulent registration requires evidence from the relevant flag administrations.
The sequence
Broadcast identity changes
The analysis identifies a transition between country-coded MMSI values during the voyage.60
Analysis published
GFW presents the sequence as part of a wider identity assessment.60
Responses and legal posture
An operator explanation or subsequent official adjudication of these specific transmissions was not located. The case is therefore labeled as an analytical finding, not a proven fraudulent-flag registration.60
What remains unresolved
The report supports a tracking attribution, not a final fraud ruling. It does not establish that Argentina or South Korea actually registered the ship, that every position was false, or who configured the equipment. The archived 2020 identity should not be mistaken for a current authorization.
The investigated vessel is identified as Chinese-flagged. Transmitting another country’s MMSI prefix does not establish that country’s participation, permission or government control.
How to read the evidence labels →Sources for this file
Analysis of the Southeast Pacific squid fleet, July 2021 ↗
Multiple MMSI analysis and Yong Xing 1 case study; Spanish version p. 33
Source limits
AIS country prefixes are not proof of valid flag registration. Intent, operator responsibility and legal outcome need further evidence; one hull can broadcast multiple identities.
2020 Record of Vessels implementation report ↗
Yong Xing 1 row: IMO 8776497
Source limits
Historical identity anchor. This is not a current vessel authorization or a record of accepted Argentine or Korean flag registration.
