An AFM patrol boat late yesterday seized an Italian fishing boat allegedly found fishing illegally in the Maltese fishing zone. A number of other Italian boats cut their nets and headed out of the area as soon as the Maltese patrol boat arrived.

The incident took place after a report was received by the patrol boat about fishing on Hurd's Bank, south-east of Malta. The fishing boats were spotted by an AFM Islander aircraft.

The fishing boat Maria Salvatrice was intercepted some 19 miles off Delimara. AFM soldiers who boarded the vessel found boxes of fresh fish on board.

The fishing boat was escorted to Grand Harbour.

The incident is being widely reported on the Italian media, with the Mayor of the fishing village of Porto Palo claiming that the fishing boat was not conducting any illegal activity and was merely transiting the waters.

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