Overview

• French authorities intercepted the Eastbourne-based vessel, The Lady T, on May 22 for allegedly fishing without a license in the French Exclusive Economic Zone.
• The boat was escorted to Boulogne-sur-Mer and is barred from leaving port while prosecutors consider charges, including potential confiscation.
• The incident follows the detention of another UK vessel, Francesca TO80, last week under similar allegations of unlicensed fishing in French waters.
• UK politicians and fishing industry leaders criticize the new UK-EU fishing agreement, which grants EU vessels access to British waters until 2038, as detrimental to the domestic industry.
• The UK government is providing support to the detained skipper and has engaged with French authorities as accusations of French 'double standards' in maritime enforcement grow.