A British-flagged fishing boat was intercepted and detained in French waters on Saturday - less than 48 hours before the UK government was accused of 'surrendering' to the EU over fishing rights.
The Francesca TO 80 was spotted 30 nautical miles - or 55 kilometres - off the island of Batz.
It was then escorted to the port of Brest at dawn yesterday after inspectors suspected the crew of unlicensed fishing in French waters.
This constitutes an offense under the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code. French prosecutors have opened a probe and are yet to decide what action to take.
The trawler is registered to an address in Truro, Cornwall, according to media outlet Ouest France.
