Charles Ontita, police chief in the coastal town of Malindi, 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Mombasa, told AFP by telephone the crew had been stranded on the high seas after water seeped into the boat's engine, causing it to stall on June 13.

"Finally they managed to send a signal which was responded to by the Kenya Navy, which sent a rescue mission that has just returned from the deep sea this morning," Ontita said.

"The 11-member crew appear emaciated for lack of food, but they are in safe hands and we are going to repatriate them back to their country," Ontita said.

It is believed the ill-fated vessel, MV Kamiani 7215, had earlier strayed into Kenyan territorial waters, and was trying to return to open seas when it started taking in water, the police chief said.

Authorities said the crew was checked into hospital for medical observations, but declined to say whether they would press charges for illegal fishing.

WAR.WIRE