Police in Iceland are investigating an incident where a Norwegian longliner was caught fishing in a prohibited area. Photo: Iceland Coast Guard
Police in Iceland, in collaboration with the Icelandic Coast Guard are investigating a Norwegian fishing vessel for fishing in a restricted area in the country’s waters.
According to reports, the incident happened on Friday night, 14 April, when the watch at the Icelandic Coast Guard control centre became aware that a Norwegian longliner was fishing within a restricted area within their jurisdiction. The vessel was immediately contacted and ordered ashore to Reykjavík.
In a statement issued by the Coast Guard, they said:
“Rangers at the headquarters of the Coast Guard were warned that a Norwegian boat was fishing within a prohibited area last night. This was easy to see in the Coast Guard’s remote-control system.
Immediately, the guards had contacted the guarding captain who admitted that the ship was fishing. It was made clear to the crew that they were within the prohibited area where fishing was not allowed.
“The ship was sent to the harbour. The fishing ship arrived in Reykjavík last night and members of the Coast Guard Special Operations Team, police officers and representatives of the Directorate of Fisheries boarded the ship this morning. Talked with the crew of the ship and reviewed a catch log and fishing gear.
“The Norwegian ship sailed from Reykjavík after the site investigation at the end. The police are investigating the case in collaboration with the Coast Guard.”
It is understood the violation took place outside the Icelandic 12-nautual mile limit.