Spanish vessels arrested

Three Spanish "flagships" were apprehended in Irish waters by the Naval Service at the weekend.

The vessels, which are registered as "flags of convenience" in Ireland and Britain to avail of fishing quotas, are due to be handed over today in port to the Garda Siochana.

The Irish-registered Spanish vessel, Dursey, was detained 15 miles north-west of Donegal Bay by the LE Emer under the command of Lieut. Cdr Martin Counihan.

It was held for alleged mis-recording of catch and escorted to Killybegs, Co Donegal.

Two British-registered Spanish vessels, the Milford Eagle and Lady Laura, were detained by the LE Aoife under the command of Lieut. Cdr Pearse O'Donnell some 170 miles west of the Aran Islands.

The vessels were held for alleged failure to have valid sea fishing licences on board, and for allegedly failing to record fishing activity in Irish waters. They are due to be handed over to the civil authorities in Castletownbere, Co Cork.

Also yesterday, the LE Aoife arrested an Irish-registered fishing vessel, the Alimar and escorted it into Castletownbere. The vessel was detained 100 miles north-west of Kerry head for allegedly over-fishing its monthly hake quota.