Latest news with #BoulogneSurMer
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Seized British fishing boat Lady T is released by French authorities after being 'held hostage' as skipper is issued with 'substantial' fine
A British fishing boat that was 'held hostage' by the French authorities after allegedly operating without a licence has been reportedly released. The Lady T, based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, was held in Boulogne-sur-Mer, at risk of confiscation, after being intercepted by the Pluvier, a French Navy Ship, on Thursday. Now, a court source in Boulgone-sur-Mer has confirmed that the historic 10m long vessel, named after former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, has been released, the Daily Telegraph has reported. The catamaran's skipper, who appeared in court in Boulogne-ser-Mer on Monday afternoon, has allegedly been forced to pay a 'substantial fine' for the boat's release, according to sources. While the exact fine issued remains unknown, previous reports have suggested that the skipper could be paying up to £63,000 for 'non-authorised fishing in French waters' by a non-EU boat. Responding to the boat's release, Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, told the Daily Telegraph: 'Fantastic news that the French have released this vessel. It should have never been impounded in the first place. 'If the French put half as much effort into stopping illegal immigrants as they did into harassing British fishermen then we would not have floods of immigrants crossing the channel. 'I urge the French to direct their efforts towards stopping the small bats as they are obliged to do under international law'. It comes after Olivier Leprêtre, chairman of the regional fishing committee in northern France, suggested on Sunday that the boat could have been seized as a tit-for-tat measure after a French skipper was fined in a landmark case last month. French-registered Pierre D'Ambre was fined £40,000 in Newcastle Magistrates Court after being accused of bottom-trawling in a prohibited area of the Offshore Brighton Marine Conservation Zone. The seizure also followed extensive criticism pointed towards Prime Minister Keir Starmer over a landmark deal with the EU over fishing rights which hugely favour the French. Confirming the previous holding of Lady T, a spokesman for France 's Maritime Prefecture previously said: 'On Thursday, May 22, the French Navy's public service patrol vessel, the Pluvier, conducted a fishing inspection in the French Exclusive Economic Zone, off the Somme Bay. 'During this operation, which was part of the State's maritime enforcement, a British fishing vessel was inspected by sailors from the Navy patrol vessel while fishing without a license in French waters. 'As the offence was proved, the fishing vessel was diverted during the night of May 23rd to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, following the instructions of the Delegate for the Sea and Coastline, acting on behalf of the Regional Prefect, who oversees the fisheries police, for the purpose of initiating prosecution under the authority of the Public Prosecutor.' The Francesca TO 80 (pictured), registered in Truro, Cornwall, was also intercepted and detained in French waters last Saturday - less than 48 hours before the UK government was accused of 'surrendering' to the EU over fishing rights. The spokesman added: 'This operation demonstrates the vigilance of State services in protecting fisheries resources and their determination to enforce regulations. 'It sends a clear signal to those who might be tempted to fish illegally in French waters.' Following the boat's seizure, Mr Philp accused the French of 'shameful double standards', telling the Daily Telegraph that the country should 'start stopping boats with illegal immigrants' rather than focusing upon a UK fishing vessel within French waters. The Francesca TO 80, registered in Truro, Cornwall, was also intercepted and detained in French waters last Saturday - less than 48 hours before the UK government was accused of ' surrendering' to the EU over fishing rights. Spotted 30 nautical miles off the island of Batz, off Roscoff, Brittany, the boat was then escorted to the port of Brest after inspectors suspected the crew of unlicensed fishing in French waters. This also constituted an offence under the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code, it was alleged. Under a new deal sealed by Sir Keir Starmer, European trawlers will be granted access to British waters for a further 12 years. A previous agreement, reached under Prime Minister Boris Johnson, saw the UK regain 25 per cent of EU fishing quotas, but this was set to run out next year. Now the EU will maintain unfettered access to the UK's coastal waters until 2038. While Sir Keir described it as a 'landmark' deal between the EU and an 'independent' UK, members of the Conservative Party and Reform UK were critical of the agreement. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the 12-year deal on access for European boats 'will be the end of the fishing industry'. Sir Keir Starmer met with the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, alongside European Council President Antonio Costa, on May 19 at a summit hosted in Lancaster House, London, in order to negotiate the controversial deal. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) was contacted for comment.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
France seizes British fishing boat in English Channel
A British fishing boat has been detained by French authorities after allegedly being caught operating without a licence in the English Channel. The Lady T, which is based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, was being held in Boulogne-sur-Mer on Saturday and now risks being confiscated. The vessel was intercepted by the Pluvier, a French navy ship, on Thursday and the catamaran's skipper is now facing prosecution for fishing for whelks without a licence. The incident has come days after Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, was criticised over a deal with the EU over fishing rights, which was seen to favour the French. A spokesman for France's Maritime Prefecture said: 'On Thursday, May 22, the French Navy's public service patrol vessel, the Pluvier, conducted a fishing inspection in the French Exclusive Economic Zone, off the Somme Bay. 'During this operation, which was part of the State's maritime enforcement, a British fishing vessel was inspected by sailors from the Navy patrol vessel while fishing without a license in French waters. 'As the offence was proved, the fishing vessel was diverted during the night of May 23 to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, following the instructions of the Delegate for the Sea and Coastline, acting on behalf of the Regional Prefect, who oversees the fisheries police, for the purpose of initiating prosecution under the authority of the Public Prosecutor.' The spokesman added: 'This operation demonstrates the vigilance of State services in protecting fisheries resources and their determination to enforce regulations. 'It sends a clear signal to those who might be tempted to fish illegally in French waters.' On Saturday, the Lady T was moored behind the Bassin Loubet fish market in Boulogne. The ship's skipper, who refused to give his name, said: 'I have nothing to say to you, I won't answer.' The 10m boat is now forbidden to leave the port until further notice. Another British-flagged vessel was intercepted and detained in French waters last Saturday – less than 48 hours before the Government was accused of 'surrendering' to the EU on fishing rights. The Francesca TO 80, registered in Truro, Cornwall, was spotted 30 nautical miles off the island of Batz, off Roscoff, Brittany. She was escorted to the port of Brest after inspectors suspected the crew of unlicensed fishing in French waters. This also constituted an offence under the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code, it was alleged. Under Sir Keir's new deal, European trawlers will be granted access to British waters for a further 12 years. A previous agreement, which was reached under Boris Johnson, saw the UK regain 25 per cent of EU fishing quotas, but this was set to run out next year. Now, the EU will maintain unfettered access to the UK's coastal waters until 2038. Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, said the 12-year deal on access for European boats 'will be the end of the fishing industry'. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
British fishing boats are held in French custody days after Keir Starmer's EU 'surrender' over fish
A British fishing boat was in French custody today after allegedly being caught operating without a licence in the English Channel. The Lady T, which is based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, was being held in Boulogne-sur-Mer on Saturday and now risks being confiscated. She was caught by the Pluvier, a French Navy ship, on Thursday, and the catamaran's skipper now faces prosecution for fishing for whelks without a license. It comes days after Prime Minister Keir Starmer was heavily criticised over a landmark deal with the EU over fishing rights which hugely favour the French. A spokesman for France 's Martime Prefecture said: 'On Thursday, May 22, the French Navy's public service patrol vessel, the Pluvier, conducted a fishing inspection in the French Exclusive Economic Zone, off the Somme Bay. 'During this operation, which was part of the State's maritime enforcement, a British fishing vessel was inspected by sailors from the Navy patrol vessel while fishing without a license in French waters. 'As the offence was proved, the fishing vessel was diverted during the night of May 23rd to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, following the instructions of the Delegate for the Sea and Coastline, acting on behalf of the Regional Prefect, who oversees the fisheries police, for the purpose of initiating prosecution under the authority of the Public Prosecutor.' The spokesman added: 'This operation demonstrates the vigilance of State services in protecting fisheries resources and their determination to enforce regulations. 'It sends a clear signal to those who might be tempted to fish illegally in French waters.' On Saturday, the Lady T. was moored behind the Bassin Loubet fish market in Boulogne. Her skipper, who refused to give his name, said: 'I have nothing to say to you, I won't answer'. His 32ft (10m) long boat is now forbidden to leave the port until further notice. Another British-flagged vessel was intercepted and detained in French waters last Saturday - less than 48 hours before the UK government was accused of 'surrendering' to the EU over fishing rights. The Francesca TO 80, which is registered in Truro, Cornwall, was spotted 30 nautical miles off the island of Batz, off Roscoff, Brittany. She was then escorted to the port of Brest after inspectors suspected the crew of unlicensed fishing in French waters. This also constituted an offence under the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code, it was alleged. One skipper, based in Dover, described the action as 'outrageous'. He told GB News: 'It is so typical of the French. 'They should be totally focused on trying to prevent the daily illegal incursions by migrants into the Channel. 'And the only actual enforcement work they're doing is targeting British fisherman.' Under a new deal, European trawlers will be granted access to British waters for a further 12 years. A previous agreement, reached under Prime Minister Boris Johnson, saw the UK regain 25 per cent of EU fishing quotas, but this was set to run out next year. Now the EU will maintain unfettered access to the UK's coastal waters until 2038. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the 12-year deal on access for European boats 'will be the end of the fishing industry'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa at a summit in Lancaster House, London, to negotiate the deal.
Telegraph
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
France seizes British fishing boat in English Channel
A British fishing boat has been detained by French authorities after allegedly being caught operating without a licence in the English Channel. The Lady T, which is based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, was being held in Boulogne-sur-Mer on Saturday and now risks being confiscated. The vessel was intercepted by the Pluvier, a French navy ship, on Thursday and the catamaran's skipper is now facing prosecution for fishing for whelks without a licence. The incident has come days after Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, was criticised over a deal with the EU over fishing rights, which was seen to favour the French. A spokesman for France's Maritime Prefecture said: 'On Thursday, May 22, the French Navy's public service patrol vessel, the Pluvier, conducted a fishing inspection in the French Exclusive Economic Zone, off the Somme Bay. 'During this operation, which was part of the State's maritime enforcement, a British fishing vessel was inspected by sailors from the Navy patrol vessel while fishing without a license in French waters. 'As the offence was proved, the fishing vessel was diverted during the night of May 23rd to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, following the instructions of the Delegate for the Sea and Coastline, acting on behalf of the Regional Prefect, who oversees the fisheries police, for the purpose of initiating prosecution under the authority of the Public Prosecutor.' The spokesman added: 'This operation demonstrates the vigilance of State services in protecting fisheries resources and their determination to enforce regulations. 'It sends a clear signal to those who might be tempted to fish illegally in French waters.' On Saturday, the Lady T was moored behind the Bassin Loubet fish market in Boulogne. The ship's skipper, who refused to give his name, said: 'I have nothing to say to you, I won't answer'. The 10m-long boat is now forbidden to leave the port until further notice. Another British-flagged vessel was intercepted and detained in French waters last Saturday – less than 48 hours before the Government was accused of 'surrendering' to the EU on fishing rights. The Francesca TO 80, which is registered in Truro, Cornwall, was spotted 30 nautical miles off the island of Batz, off Roscoff, Brittany. She was then escorted to the port of Brest after inspectors suspected the crew of unlicensed fishing in French waters. This also constituted an offence under the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code, it was alleged. Under Sir Keir's new deal, European trawlers will be granted access to British waters for a further 12 years. A previous agreement, which was reached under Boris Johnson, saw the UK regain 25 per cent of EU fishing quotas, but this was set to run out next year. Now, the EU will maintain unfettered access to the UK's coastal waters until 2038. Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, said the 12-year deal on access for European boats 'will be the end of the fishing industry'.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Migrant dies in English Channel crossing attempt
A person has died after a small "overloaded" boat sank while attempting to cross the English Channel, French authorities have said. A total of 62 people were rescued from the water after the boat broke up overnight on Sunday to Monday, the Maritime Prefect of the Channel and the North Sea said. A French Navy helicopter helping with the search spotted an unconscious person in the water, who was subsequently declared dead by the medical team on board a French assistance and rescue intervention tug, French authorities said. A mother and her baby were taken to hospital in Boulogne-sur-Mer, in France, with hypothermia. The French tug recovered 50 people, the RNLI recovered two people and the Border Force Ranger recovered nine people. The other rescued people were taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer quay and taken care of by the land rescue services. A migrant also died trying to cross the Channel in April. As of last month, more than 9,000 people had crossed the English Channel on small boats in 2025. This was 42% higher than at the same point in 2024, when the total stood at 6,265, and 81% higher than at the same stage in 2023, when the total was 4,899. Home Office figures show more people arrived in small boats between January and April 2025 than in the same four-month period in any year since data on Channel crossings began in 2018. The figures come as the government has vowed to crack down on people-smuggling across the Channel. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Migrant dies in Channel crossing attempt How many people cross the Channel in small boats? More than 5,000 migrants cross Channel in 2025
