Twenty-five Chinese fishermen who have been detained in Palau since late last month have returned home by a chartered plane, after an out-of-court settlement was reached with Palau authorities.

After 17 days in custody, these 25 Chinese fishermen are finally heading home.

They were taken to the airport directly from prison together with the body of one fisherman who was killed by Palau police in a confrontation at sea.

The Chinese nationals paid fines of $1,000 per person before leaving the country, based on a settlement reached with local authorities.

Counsellor of Chinese embassy in Micronesia Wen Zhencai said, "Their release date is earlier than we expected, this is what we hope to see."

All the Chinese fishermen are in good physical condition.

Meanwhile, the family of the fisherman who was killed, is demanding compensation, as an investigation into the suspected illegal fishing activities of the Chinese crew continues. "He is the bread earner of the family, it is hard for the family's life to move on."

Compensation will likely follow if the investigation proves wrongdoing on part of the local police.

Palau's President Johnson Toribiong saw the 25 crew members off at the airport, and also expressed his condolence over the death of the fisherman.

(CNTV.cn April 18, 2012)