The State proceedings from the planned sale of the 'Matthew' were set to be largely wiped out by the costs of maintaining the vessel over the past 14 months. The bulk carrier was seized on Sep 26, 2023 after a drug interdiction operation by the Naval Service, Gardaí, Army Ranger Wing, Air Corps and Revenue Commissioners. While initially valued at €9.5m, the freighter has depreciated in value since then, while the Revenue Commissioners confirmed that protection and maintenance of the vessel has cost the State €5.3m to the end of September. For the past 14 months, the ship has been berthed between Marino Point and Passage West in Cork, pending the conclusion of ongoing court proceedings, under the provisions of the Customs Act, 2015.. Eight men are due to face trial before the Special Criminal Court in Jan 2025 over the seizure. The plan is to dispose of the vessel, most likely by public auction. The vessel is now forfeit to the Revenue Commissioners. A number of individuals are the subject of legal proceedings being taken by An Garda Síochána and the 'Matthew 'is an exhibit in those proceedings and remains under the care and management of Revenue, as the seizing authority. Protecting and maintaining the 'Matthew' is costing the State €380,000 per month. Generators have to be regularly operated to keep the ship in operational status. For maintenance reasons, the ship cannot be fully shut down, even though this would reduce costs. Once all prosecutions arising from the seizure are concluded, the State will seek a court order to allow the 2.2 tonnes of drugs to be destroyed by incineration. Gardaí have liaised with police in the United Arab Emirates, United States, China, the UK, Spain and the Caribbean over the bulk carrier and its movements in the weeks before its seizure off the Irish coast.
