France seizes UK fishing boat in English Channel

French authorities have seized a British boat after amid an allegation it was operating without a licence in the English Channel. The Pluvier, a French naval vessel, reportedly caught the Lady T on Thursday. The Eastbourne based boat is being held at Boulogne-sur-Mer and is said to be at risk of confiscation.

The British catamaran's captain now faces prosecution for fishing whelks without a licence, according to the Telegraph. A spokesman for 's Martime Prefecture said the Pluvier was conducting a fishing inspection in the French Exclusive Economic Zone, off the Somme Bay on May 22.

He added: "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 the operation demonstrates the vigilance of French authorities in protecting fisheries resources and France's determination to enforce regulations.

He said: "It sends a clear signal to those who might be tempted to fish illegally in French waters."

The Lady T's skipper, who refused to give his name, reportedly told the : "I have nothing to say to you. I won't answer."