Gardai in Arklow, Co Wicklow, boarded a fertiliser ship when it arrived yesterday after two Moroccans, aged 17 and 21, had been discovered hiding in its forward hold. They were taken to Arklow Garda station to sign the necessary declaration forms after they asked for political asylum. They told the gardai that they feared persecution in their country.
The 1,500 tonnes Celtic Voyager, a Russian ship trading under a UK flag, was en route from Casablanca to Arklow when the two Moroccans boarded it at Jorf Lasfar. They hid in the hold for a number of days before being spotted by the crew. Gardai handed them over to Eastern Health Board workers who were to notify the Irish Refugee Centre in Dublin.