Maritime distress signal prompts alleged narcotics operation

The Irish Coast Guard saved two people from a boat in the middle of a big security operation focused on stopping drug smuggling.

The fishing boat got stuck on the shore on Sunday night near County Wexford, which is in the south of Ireland.

The distress signal was sent, which caused multiple groups to join together, including the Irish Navy, police, a lifeboat crew, and a Coast Guard helicopter team.

Two men were lifted up to safety from the broken boat.

The Irish broadcaster RTÉ said that a rescue mission turned into a big security operation.

It said officials later got on and took control of a large ship and it was being guided to Cork Port.

It is believed that the ship is involved in illegal drug smuggling.

RTÉ reported that the ship did not follow instructions to let the authorities board it, and it is believed that well-trained military personnel were involved.

The security operation is still happening for two days. The gardai and Irish Naval Service said they won’t give any comments.
The Irish Coast Guard said that the fishing boat made a call for help at around 22:10 on Sunday night.

The boat was stuck on a sandbank near Blackwater, a little ways up from Rosslare Port.

A helicopter from the Coast Guard and a local crew from RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) came to help.

The Coast Guard said that they were not able to tow the ship, so they used a winch to bring the injured people off the ship.