The MV Matthew moored in Cork following its seizure in 2023. Photograph: PAOngoing maintenance of the MV Matthew, the vessel seized as part of the largest ever cocaine smuggling operation in Ireland, is costing the State €110,000 per week and has been labelled a “considerable” environmental and ecological risk by the Revenue Commissioners. The 189-metre bulk cargo vessel of 28,647 gross tonnage was detained by Revenue on September 26th, 2023, under customs legislation. Mr Cody said that detaining a vessel the size of the MV Matthew was “without precedent in this jurisdiction”. The huge merchant ship MV Matthew in Cork Harbour“All necessary actions for the safe and secure management of the vessel since its detention have been undertaken by Revenue.

Source: The Irish Times October 06, 2025 02:51 UTC