LÉ JAMES JOYCE detains Belgian-registered fishing vessel

The Naval Service Vessel LÉ JAMES JOYCE detained a Belgian-registered fishing vessel approximately 65 nautical miles South-East of Mizen Head.

The detention was in relation to alleged breaches of fishing regulations. The vessel will be escorted to Castletownbere, where on arrival it will be handed over to An Garda Sí­ochána.

This is the first vessel detained by the Naval Service in 2021. The Defence Forces conducts at sea fishery inspections in line with the service level agreement with the Sea Fishery Protection Authority, as part of its delivery of government services to the state.