Seoul: Eight Chinese nationals attempting to "illegally" enter South Korea by boat off the country's west coast were apprehended on Monday, Yonhap News reported, citing the coast guard.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Korean Coast Guard reported that an unidentified boat was first noticed at 11.38 pm (1438GMT) on Sunday and was captured at approximately 1.43 am (0443GMT) on Monday.

The small vessel, which was carrying the eight Chinese individuals, was subsequently towed to a port in Taean county, located in South Chungcheong province on South Korea's west coast. During the operation, one of the passengers jumped into the water but was later rescued by the authorities.

Officials stated that the group had departed from Weihai in China's eastern Shandong province at around 10 am (1300GMT) on Sunday. The location is approximately 300 kilometers (nearly 186 miles) west of South Korea's coast. The group was allegedly attempting to enter South Korea "illegally" in search of employment opportunities.

The Korean Coast Guard has announced plans to seek arrest warrants for the eight Chinese nationals on charges of violating South Korea's Immigration Control Act.