Sale of two smuggling vessels set to swell State coffers

THE State's coffers stand to benefit from the public auction this week of two vessels impounded on suspicion of smuggling in Irish waters.

Described as a "fine" 47-font steel-hulled motor cruiser, the Plongeur Whisky will be auctioned on behalf of the Revenue Commissioners today at Kilrush, Co Clare.

The 10-year-old vessel, which was registered in Nantes, France, was detained after 1 1/2 tons of drugs were found on board last November in Carrigaholt, Co Clare.

Tomorrow, the tug Aegir, registered in the Grenadines, which was detained by the National Drugs Task Force in Galway Bay last February, will be sold for a second time in Galway city. The tug was seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau. It is understood that a private offer has been made before today's auction.

Mr Dominic Daly of Cork, agent for the vessels, estimates that the Plongeur Whisky will fetch around £40,000.

It can sleep six, is fitted with two Thornycroft engines, and its extensive equipment includes all regular electronics and twin davits on the aft deck with boarding ladder and swimming platform.

The Aegir was escorted into Galway after its rescue by the Galway Bay lifeboat off the Aran Isles in early February.

No drugs were reported to have been found despite an extensive search.

Built in 1963, the twin screw tug/diving vessel is ice-strengthened, and is valued at more than £100,000.

The 12 crew of various nationalities were all deported after the detention.

Meanwhile, the future of a third vessel detained in suspicious circumstances and still in State custody is unclear.

The 64-foot ketch, Brime, apprehended by the Naval Service patrol ship, LE Orla, with about £20 million-worth of cannabis on board off Co Clare in July 1993, lies idle at Haulbowline.

Last year, despite a court order giving it to the Naval Service, the Department of Defence decided to invite tenders for its sale.

The Naval Service had hoped to convert it for sail training. The Department's decision to proceed with the tenders was then deferred.