Drugs boat was swamped
THE luxury yacht carrying around €700m worth of cocaine was of the verge of capsizing when naval officers swooped on Thursday morning.
The 70 bales of cocaine were within minutes of being washed into the sea, as happened off the Cork coast last year.
Authorities were forced to board the ship in "horrendous weather conditions" to prevent evidence being lost in the seven- metre swells.
Gardai believe that the traffickers underestimated the stormy Atlantic conditions.
Although the 60ft craft could travel at high speeds, it was not designed for rough weather.
Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea said there were "huge waves" when naval personnel made their move.
While praising the operation, Minister O'Dea said that he would not be going to Cork.
"They've taken the vessel in and are doing an inspection of the yacht now.
"The lads did the job, let them take the praise," he said.
- Kevin Doyle
