The Naval Service vessel LÉ Aisling detained a British registered fishing vessel approximately 180 nautical miles West of the Skelligs. The detention was in relation to an alleged breach of fishing regulations.
The vessel is currently hauling her nets and will then proceed under escort to Castletownbere. The vessel is expected to arrive alongside tomorrow morning and will then be handed over to the Gardaí.
The Naval Service carried out 1,313 boardings and 8 detentions of vessels off the Irish Coast in 2011 and 51 boardings so far this year.
This is the first detention of 2012.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , January 16, 2012; Image: military