AFM PATROL VESSEL APPREHENDS TRAWLER FISHING ILLEGALLY

During an operation conducted by 2nd Regiment AFM's Maritime Squadron on the night of Wednesday, 1^st November, 2000, a locally registered fishing trawler, the 'G. Gatto' was intercepted in trawling activities within three nautical miles (NM) off Ahrax Point, limits of Mellieha.

The operation followed observations made of the said trawler, whilst it was maintaining a steady course towards the island of Comino at a very slow speed. Given that these shallows are well known for being rich in fish, the vessel's suspicious movements were tracked and plotted on radar. An AFM offshore patrol vessel of the Kondor-class, the "P-30", made a fast-speed approach on the trawling vessel, switching its search-lights when in its close proximity.

A five-man board and search team was dispatched by dinghy to the apprehended trawler, and the fishermen were directed to haul in their nets which contained a large amount of octopus and fish.

The trawler's captain was ordered to steer his vessel towards the Marfa jetty where, following a thorough onboard search, the case was handed over to the Police and Department of Fisheries' officials.