British boat captain summoned to French court in simmering UK, French fishing row
The captain risks a fine of €75,000
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
The captain of a British boat detained in a French port which has prompted a furious post-Brexit row between London and Paris has been summoned to court and faces being fined thousands of pounds for “unathorised” fishing in French waters.
Cyrille Fournier, who represents the prosecutor’s office for Le Havre, said the captain of the Cornelis trawler has been summoned to appear in court next August.
Mr Fournmier said the boat was “not authorised to fish in those parts of French waters”.
The captain risks a fine of €75,000, French media reported.
The Cornelis boat is being kept in the French port city after it was detained earlier this week for allegedly not having a licence to fish in French waters.
Macduff Shellfish has insisted their activity was legal.
The boat was still sat in the harbour in Le Havre, a major port city in Normandy, on Friday - two days after it was detained.
There was little activity on board in the morning, with the crew drawing up a curtain to stay out of sight.
Macduff Shellfish said on Thursday the crew remained "in good spirits" and would remain on board until the boat is released.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments