Two arrested over artefacts plundered from ship

GARDAÍ have caught a gang plundering priceless artifacts from a sunken 17th century pirate ship which foundered off the south coast.

Two men were arrested yesterday following a joint surveillance operation by gardaí, customs officers and officials from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It still isn’t clear how much was taken from the sunken wreck of the Amity, but so far an anchor and a canon have been recovered.

“The investigation is ongoing and we are seeking to speak to other people who we believe are connected to this incident,” a garda spokesman said.

A spokeswoman for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and

Local Government said the pirate ship, which was used for trading slaves, sank in Dunworthy Bay, near Timoleague in West Cork in 1700.

“The wreck is quite accessible as it’s lying in shallow enough water,” the spokeswoman said. She said there were severe penalties for plundering artifacts from sunken ships.

“Under the National Monuments Acts there is a fine of up to €50,000 and, or, up to five years in jail,” the spokeswoman said.

Gardaí believe the anchor and a canon were hooked up to a pontoon which was then drawn ashore. Gardaí said the two men questioned were in their early 30s and from the Clonakilty area.

“They were released without charge and a file is being prepared for the DPP. We will be seeking other people in connection with our inquiries,” a garda spokesman said.