Drug trafficking ship creates 'eyesore and ear sore' for Cork residents
A Arrested Matthew Named Cargo Suspicion Onboard Have Cobh On Of After Drugs Crime Quantity" Organised Cork Is Three Were Men In By A Escorted Found Of Offences Suspected Mv Vessel Into "significant Been
The alleged drug trafficking ship at the centre of the largest cocaine seizure in the history of the State was described as an “eyesore and an ear sore” by locals where the ship has been berthed in Cork.
Noise complaints had been made to the Port of Cork and the Revenue Commissioners about disturbing engine noise on the MV Matthew, a 28,000-tonne bulk cargo ship which was costing the State €100,000 every week to maintain since it was seized in September 2023.
Elite Army Ranger Wing personnel stormed the boat from a helicopter in rough weather in a dramatic joint operation between the Naval Service, Gardaí, Army Ranger Wing, Air Corps and Revenue Commissioners.
2.2m tonnes of cocaine, worth almost €160m was then found aboard the Panama-registered vessel and it was seized by the State.
Earlier this month, a court heard that the State paid €5.3m to maintain the 190-metre-long, 32-metre-wide ship between 26 September 2023 and October 2024.
Freedom of Information documents now show that the spiralling costs have not been the only concern for taxpayers, as locals have also complained to the Revenue Commissioners about “disturbing” noise from the vessel.
“The ongoing engine noise […] is most disturbing as the engine runs constantly, they had admitted the fans are faulty the[y] are trying to repair them, but it is not getting any better,” email correspondence from an unnamed person said.
“There is a vibration ‘hum’.
“I have asked why the engines need to run 24/7, the answer is that the equipment aboard needs to be kept in good condition as it will be sold.
“Is it possible that the engine could be turned off at night?
“Can I ask when is it likely that this eyesore and “ear sore” is likely to be moved?”
Revenue replied that it was its intention to dispose of the vessel “as soon as the legal position allows".
“The MV Matthew is currently in a standby operational status. For operational reasons it is not possible to completely shut down a vessel of this size, as generator power is required 24/7 for the crew on board and for operation of essential systems,” Revenue said in email correspondence released under FOI.
“The main engines are only run when absolutely necessary in order to support periodic vessel movement (to facilitate commercial requirements of the Port) and to lift supplies and equipment on board (which is only done during normal working hours).
“Revenue is aware of noise complaints in relation to the MV Matthew and is actively working with its technical managers and on-board personnel to assess the issue and explore any possible mitigation measures which may help to improve the situation.”
The MV Matthew was seized by a Customs officer after €157m worth of cocaine was seized on board the vessel under the Customs Act, 2015, and was forfeited to the Revenue Commissioners.
It was deemed an exhibit in the drugs charge case.
Given the size of the vessel very few suitable berths were available, Revenue said. Belvelly Port, Marino Point in Cork was deemed the most suitable by the Port of Cork.
Care and management of the vessel fell to Revenue as the seizing authority.
Eight people charged in relation to the MV Matthew seizure are due before the Special Criminal Court for what has been scheduled as a four-month trial from January 13.