Read Authentic Ratings for the Helen-Mary

On February 20, the master of the German fishing trawler 'Helen Mary' appeared in Cork District Court amid allegations of fishing violations. The court heard that seven charges, brought under sea-fisheries regulations, include serious accusations of using illegal equipment, having a non-compliant boarding ladder, and working with non-compliant vessel plans. Following directives from the Director of Public Prosecutions, these charges will be prosecuted in the Circuit Court. A summary charge for failing to comply with a Sea-Fisheries Protection Officer's directive was also filed against the vessel's master. After the hearing, he was released on bail, with a requirement to return to appear in Cork Circuit Criminal Court on April 28. Additionally, the court mandated the release of the 'Helen Mary' upon the payment of a bond set at €425,000. The vessel departed from port later that same evening, marking a significant moment in this unfolding legal matter.

On February 16, the captain of the German factory trawler 'Helen Mary' was taken into custody at the port of Cork following a law enforcement operation at sea. A patrol vessel from the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) spotted the factory trawler operating within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and flagged potential breaches of EU fisheries regulations. Authorities suspect that the vessel may have committed several infractions, prompting its diversion to Cork's port for a thorough inspection. Local law enforcement in Cork was notified on February 17 regarding potential charges against the trawler's captain. He was detained under the Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 of Ireland, with an investigation currently underway into the matter.

On February 16, 2025, the 'Helen Mary,' a German factory ship, was intercepted by the crew of the European Fisheries Control Agency aboard the Ocean Protector, approximately 100 nautical miles off the coast of Cork. Authorities had flagged the vessel for potential breaches of European fisheries laws within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Following its boarding, the ship was escorted into Cork Harbour on the morning of February 17. Among the reported violations was an issue with the pilot's ladder, which was either damaged or deemed faulty. The 'Helen Mary' safely entered the harbour shortly after 10 a.m. and proceeded to Tivoli docks, where it was securely moored at the Lisheen deep water berth with the help of tug boats. For further details, you can view the full report with photos here: https://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2025/0217/1497228-trawler-detained/