Irish Ferries actions in Wales ‘bordering on piracy’

Ships' officers working for Irish Ferries say the company's attempts to implement its controversial lay-off plan are "bordering on piracy".

The officers are currently barricaded into the control room of the Isle of Inismore ferry in the Welsh port of Pembroke after seizing control of the vessel last night.

They took the action when Irish Ferries sent security staff on board in an effort to remove the crew and replace them with cheaper labourers from Latvia.

A similar stand-off is also preventing the Ulysses ferry from leaving Holyhead in Wales.

Speaking on behalf of the protestors today, chief officer Gerry Mooney said the security staff were found to be carrying weapons including iron bars and clubs in their bags.

He also said the fact that these people gained access to the bridge, the crew accommodation and other areas was a clear violation of international shipping security law.

"This is highly illegal," he said. "It borders on piracy."