Two vessels tied up after Covid-19 outbreaks confirmed aboard naval ships

The Irish Examiner understands LÉ Ciara and LÉ William Butler Yeats have been called ashore after Covid-19 cases were reported onboard them. Picture: Denis Minhane

The Naval Service has been forced to take two more of its ships off operations due to outbreaks of Covid-19, while a third vessel is under scrutiny after a crew member reported symptoms.

The news comes following concerns expressed by Irish fishermen that the Naval Service may not be able to protect them at sea. It comes as a Donegal trawler was boarded by a Scottish fishery protection vessel in the disputed waters of Rockall, signalling what could be the first shots in new 'cod wars' between the British and EU post Brexit.