Two Norwegian trawlers detained

TWO Norwegian trawlers have been detained by Scottish fisheries protection officers in Lerwick after being boarded at sea over the past few days.

The 22 metre pelagic trawler Buefjord was escorted into Lerwick harbour on Saturday by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency vessel Hirta, which subsequently left port on Monday.

The Buefjord is still in Lerwick awaiting a court appearance for its skipper on Wednesday after a report was submitted to the procurator fiscal at Lerwick Sheriff Court.

Meanwhile the fisheries protection vessel Jura brought in the 28m Sklinnabanken on Sunday, which has also been reported to the fiscal.

Both vessels have unloaded their catch of mackerel at Shetland Catch, the pelagic processing factory in Lerwick.

A Marine Scotland spokeswoman said: “Marine Scotland Compliance can confirm that they currently have two Norwegian mackerel vessels under detention in Lerwick.

“Both vessels were escorted to Lerwick over the weekend. Separate investigations are ongoing which in general relate to the fishing activities and catch reporting of both vessels.

“Reports have been submitted to the procurator fiscal at Lerwick.”