NAGASAKI, Japan - Japan's coast guard on Tuesday detained a Chinese fishing boat captain for allegedly illegal operation in Japanese territorial waters off the Goto Islands in southwestern Nagasaki Prefecture, a Chinese official said.

Li Wenliang, consul general of the Chinese Consulate-General in Nagasaki, told Xinhua that the local coast guard had taken the captain to its office in the city of Nagasaki.

The other 10 crew members on board are now staying in vessel, Li said, adding they are set to arrive in the city on Wednesday morning.

The official said the consulate-general had urged the Japanese authorities to ensure the safety of the Chinese fishermen and make sure their legal rights are protected.