Boat detained over fishing breach

The Navy detained an Irish fishing boat off the Co Cork coast today in relation to alleged under-recording of catch.

Navy offshore patrol vessel, the LE Aoife, intercepted the boat some 100km south east of Roches Point, Co Cork. The fishing vessel is being escorted to Cobh by the LE Aoife.

It is due to arrive there tonight to be handed over by the Navy to the Garda.

The detention related to alleged under-recording of catch and other allegations of fishing regulation breaches.

The Naval service has detained 15 vessels for 39 infringements so far this year. It has carried out over 1000 inspection and issued 36 vessel warnings for 42 infringements during 2012.

The Naval Service is responsible for policing 15 per cent of EU waters, ensuring that fishing boats adhere to strict regulations concerning the number and types of fish caught, and equipment used.

Last month the Navy detained an Irish fishing boat off the coast of Cork, 30 nautical miles south of Ballycotton.

It was later escorted to Cobh and handed over to gardaí. The boat was detained in connection with an alleged breach of technical fishing regulations.