A British fishing vessel has been impounded by French authorities after being caught illegally fishing in their waters. The vessel, stopped at sea on Thursday night, is currently held at the port of Boulogne and will not be released until a prosecution is considered.
The incident occurred amid growing tensions between the UK and EU over fishing rights, following a deal that allows European fishing boats access to British waters for 12 more years. Conservative critics have accused France of “shameful double standards” in taking action against the UK vessel while failing to stop migrants crossing the Channel in small boats.
French authorities claim they intercepted the vessel as part of a routine patrol, and it will face prosecution for operating without a licence. The UK Foreign Office has offered support to a British national in France and is in touch with local authorities, but has refused to comment further due to an ongoing investigation.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn05268j86zo