Vessel detained in immigration breach investigation

An Irish fishing vessel was detained at sea by the Naval Service yesterday and its crew questioned by gardaí over alleged immigration breaches.

The Renaissance was detained yesterday afternoon by the LÉ Orla just off the Irish coast.

The Defence Forces said the detention was made during a fisheries protection patrol.

The vessel, which is understood to have had a number of non-EU nationals onboard including a number of Egyptians, was then brought into Howth.

Once in the dock, it was handed over to gardaí. Officers then questioned those on board for a number of hours. It is believed that immigration and fisheries officials were also present.

The Renaissance’s arrest comes just days after a non-EU fisherman was arrested after he failed to produce valid identification.

Mohamed Elfallah, aged 23, with an address at 6 Calendar House, Drogheda, Co Louth, was arrested by gardaí in Union Hall in West Cork on Wednesday.

He later appeared before a district court in Macroom on charges contrary to section 12 of the Emigration Act 2004 before then appearing in Bandon District Court on Thursday on charges of failing to produce valid identification. It is understood the man is Egyptian.