MailOnline can reveal that the captain of the British trawler taken by the French in Le Havre after a furious post Brexit fishing row was a veteran scallop fisherman hailing from north-west Ireland.
Jondy Ward, a Burtonport resident, was taken into custody last week by the French Maritime Gendarmerie along with seven of his crew members in the Normandy Sea off the Normandy Coast.
He is accused, without a licence, of illegally fishing in French territorial water for valuable shellfish. He will be tried next August.
However today the boss of his firm, MacDuff fisheries, Andrew Brown told how he was preparing to pay a £125,000 ransom to free the boat Cornelius Gert Jan and its crew within the next 48 hours.
Tomorrow, Captain Ward will appear before Rouen’s court to find out his fate.
MailOnline can reveal that the captain of the British trawler, which was impounded in Le Havre by the French during a furious post Brexit fishing row, is a veteran scallop fisherman hailing from north-west Ireland. Jondy Ward, from Burtonport, County Donegal (pictured left and right), was arrested last week along with seven of his crew by the French Maritime Gendarmerie in the Normandy Sea.
Ward (pictured) is charged with illegally fishing for shellfish in French territorial waters without a license and faces trial in August next year
Today the boss of his firm, MacDuff fisheries, Andrew Brown told how he was preparing to pay a £125,000 ransom to free the boat Cornelius Gert Jan (pictured) and its crew within the next 48 hours
Meanwhile details of Jondy Ward’s experience as a commercial fisherman have emerged from his native Donegal, north-west Ireland.
He gained his captain’s licence at the acclaimed Seamanship Centre in Killybegs before taking control of a number of commercial fishing vessels.
Ward, a scallop fisherman for the last ten years has been involved in disputes with French authorities.
In 2014, he shared how he was attacked in stone-throwing by militant French trawlermen who tried to stop him (and his crew) from operating in French territorial water.
He claimed that the French authorities had pretended that there was an outbreak of toxins that made the shellfish toxic to stop British fishermen from harvesting their catch.
Recalling the so called ‘Scallops Wars’ in a social media discussions, he wrote: ‘The French don’t want us fishing there.
‘They [French fishermen]2012: We used toxins to stop us from fishing there.
Mr Ward, who is believed to be in his late 30’s has declined to comment about his arrest and detention of his boat Cornelius Gert Jan (pictured) by the French maritime Gendarmerie last week
The boat was taken into custody by gendarmes on Wednesday and escorted to Le Havre’s quayside, where they have remained since. Pictured: Crew onboard the Cornelis Gert Jan
‘What we done [sic]Was to have the scallops tested. The results showed that there were no toxic substances.
‘Every boat moved in and filled out boots. The French took to throwing stones then!’
He was the captain of the ISLA S fishing boat, which caught a record-breaking Monkfish weighing in at 77lb. [35 kg] and was dubbed the ‘Don’ of the fishy underworld.
Mr Ward, who is believed to be in his late 30’s has declined to comment about his arrest and detention of his boat Cornelius Gert Jan by the French maritime Gendarmerie last week.
The captain, however, has made sure his seven-man crew are well-provided and in good health, even though they languish at the dockside in Le Havre, France.
Director of MacDuff Shellfish in Scotland, Mr Brown (pictured), said that he hoped to secure release of Cornelis Gertjan following a court hearing tomorrow. He also stated that he would bring the crew home within 48-hours
In October 2011, Mr Ward married Eleanor Laffan, his childhood sweetheart. They now have a son & a daughter. They also have a pet cat.
It came as MacDuff Shellfish’s director in Scotland, Mr. Brown, stated that he hoped to secure release of Cornelis Gertjan following a court hearing tomorrow, and bring the crew home within 48-hours.
Tomorrow, a French magistrate will hear arguments from both sides of the bitter fishery dispute at a Rouen court. The court is just yards away from the quayside on which the British trawler was impounded.
The next step is development Emmanuel MacronWarned Boris JohnsonThat FranceUnless Britain backs down on the fishing row, Britain could retaliate.
On Monday, a spokesman for the Seine-Maritime prefecture confirmed that the Cornelis would remain in the Normandy port of Le Havre unless her crew paid ‘a 150,000 euros deposit’ – the equivalent of more than £125,000.
It far exceeds any earnings the boat might have made during the initial five-day trip to France to catch scallops.
Brown stated that it was his priority to release the crew and bring them home. We expect a court hearing tomorrow, or Wednesday at the latest.
‘We consider that there are three possible outcomes to this court hearing.
“1. The charges are dropped, and the case is dismissed. The boat and crew are now free to leave.
2. The court will require that a bond be paid to allow the boat and crew to be released prior to a trial, which is likely to take place next year.
“3. The court refuses to release either the boat or the crew.
“We don’t expect the third scenario. We expect the first scenario or the second scenario.
“If the court imposes bond, then we will discuss its size. It can take several days to raise funds and release the boat, depending on the amount of the bond.
“But I believe that our priority is to secure crew release and ensure their welfare.”
After Emmanuel Macron warned Boris Johnson about France’s retaliation if Britain doesn’t back down in the fishing row, details of the sum were revealed
Mr Brown declined the opportunity to discuss whether or not the British scallop-trawler had the proper licence to fish French waters.
He explained, “These matters are part in ongoing court proceedings so this is not something I can discuss.” This will be argued before the court by lawyers.
Mr Brown confirmed that the crew consisted of four British and Irish sailors and four sailors from Africa, Asia, and Ireland.
It comes as the French pledge to step up similar measures from this Tuesday, in retaliation for Britain not providing enough licences for their boats to fish in UK waters following Brexit.
The boat was taken into custody by gendarmes on Wednesday and escorted to Le Havre’s quayside, where they have remained since.
Their skipper, who is not being formally identified, was charged with ‘acts in unauthorised sea fishing on French maritime salt waters by third-party vessels to the European Union’.
The growing diplomatic row at Rome’s G20 was discussed by Boris Johnson, Prime Minister, and Emmanuel Macron Macron, President of France.
Johnson claimed that he was ‘puzzled’ by a letter sent from Paris to the EU asking for ‘for Britain’s punishment for leaving the EU’.
Referring directly to Brexit the Prime Minister stated that he did not believe that it was compatible with either the spirit or the letter the Withdrawal Agreement of Trade and Cooperation Agreement. That’s probably all that I will say about it.
Mr Macron responded by saying, “I don’t want escalation.” We must be serious. I don’t want you to have to resort to retaliation because it wouldn’t help our fishermen.
MacDuff Shellfish’s director, Mr Brown, claimed that she was being used as an ‘pawn’ by France and that she hadn’t done anything illegal.
Last week, Mr Brown stated that he was looking for the UK government’s support to protect the rights of the UK’s fishing fleet and to ensure that the EU fully respects the fishing rights under the Brexit fishing agreement.
Monday morning saw the Cornelis still moored at Le Havre, with eight of her crew aboard.
The boat was leaving Shoreham, Sussex, on Tuesday morning.
France has taken her into custody in the latest in a series of disputes with the UK over fishing rights in the Channel.
France’s Europe minister Clement Beaune said that Britain must speak the language force because it is “the only thing this government understands”.
British critics immediately accused him of “sabre rattling”, while Annick Girardin, Paris’ Maritime Minister, said: “It’s no war, but it’s a fight.”
French retaliatory actions could include a blockade in major ports, such as Calais. This would prevent British seafood imports from entering.
Yesterday the French President insisted that unless Britain shifts, reprisals would occur within days.
After Johnson had told his briefing for journalists that the UK’s ‘position is unchanged’, the press conference in Rome at the conclusion of the G20 summit saw the UK adopt a combative stance.
Johnson stated that the G20 position on fish was unchanged at a press conference. I’ll just say it for the record. I was puzzled to see a letter from the French Prime Minster asking for punishment for Britain’s decision to leave the EU.
“I just want to say to everyone that I don’t believe that this is compatible either with both the spirit or letter of the Withdrawal Agreement and the Trade and Cooperation agreement. That’s probably all that I’ll say about it.”
But Mr Macron stated that the ball was in Britain’s hands… If the British do not move, the measures of November 2, will have to be implemented.
French sources claimed that Mr Johnson had reached a de-escalation agreement with Mr Macron in 30 minutes of talks during a day of extraordinary briefing.
The pair tried to reach an agreement one-on-one, but there were no cameras or officials.
Johnson rejected this version. He said that he considered Macron a friend, but that they had a frank and wide-ranging discussion. He said, “On fish, I have to tell you that the position is unchanged.”
A spokesperson for the PM stated that France has the right to decide whether or not to back off from the threats.
The spokesperson stated that they were ready to respond if they decided to break the Brexit agreement.
G20 leaders visited Rome’s landmark and waved to the cameras during the last day of the G20 gathering
The leaders seemed happy as the two-day summit wrapped up in Rome. Now the action moves to Glasgow for the COP26.
French officials have warned that they will ban UK fishing boats from certain ports and tighten customs controls on lorries entering the country carrying British goods starting Tuesday, unless more licenses are granted for their small boats to fish with British.
Other threats include a slowdown in customs and increased tariffs for energy bills in Jersey.
After the talks, a French aide stated to Reuters: ‘The goal for both President and Prime Minister was to work towards deescalation.
According to French sources, the two sides reached an agreement on ‘operational steps’ to end the row in the coming days.
They had already met up at the Trevi Fountain together with other leaders who were attending the G20 summit in Rome.
And Mr Macron appeared shunt Johnson out of the way to get to Mario Draghi, the Italian host for photos.
Clement Beaune (Europe minister) was Mr Macron’s attack dog. He said that Britain was not acting as a ‘friend and ally’.
While Mr Macron and Johnson waited for difficult talks on fishing, they kept each other close.
Downing Street claimed that Johnson used the ‘unhelpful rhetoric’ from France during the showdown.
When asked if there was any specific measure to deescalate fishing row, the PM’s spokesman replied: “No.” The French side would need to agree to the deescalation, as I have said.
Pushed on why the French side were claiming that specific measures had been agreed, the spokesman said: ‘You would have to ask the French government… our position has not changed.’
He stated that he was ready to issue additional licenses, as we have done throughout, if the required evidence is provided.
The spokesman for France said that the deadline of November 2 was not now in effect.
A spokesperson for Johnson insisted that Johnson never wanted to ‘escalate the tensions’. “We are simply continuing with the enforcement of the law as set forth in the Brexit deal.”
The spokesman said: ‘It will be for the French to decide whether they want to step away from the threats they have made over recent days… of course we would welcome that.’
Clement Beaune (Europe minister) was Mr Macron’s attack dog. He said that Britain was not acting as a ‘friend and ally’.
The UK government insists that licences are being granted to boats where they can show proof they fished in waters prior to Brexit. Ministers have vowed not to back down.
Mr Johnson last night warned the EU not to side with France, while Brexit minister Lord Frost threatened to take legal action.
In response to Lord Frost, Mr Beaune tweeted: “After 10 months, when such an important amount of licences, targeted one country, is missing,” It’s not a technical problem, it’s a policy choice and a violation of the TCA.
“A friend, ally, and responsible partner should stand up for its world and adhere to legal obligations.”
He stated that the retaliation threats made starting November 2 were ‘proportionate.
He said, “It’s encouraging to read that the UK cares for the TCA; France, and the EU expect its full implementation, regarding fishing rights and the Northern Ireland protocol, and all other – accepted and ratified- matters.”
Downing Street stressed that the pair were ‘friends’ but anger is growing behind the scenes about France’s grandstanding behavior. Mr Macron faces a presidential election in spring.
A senior UK official stated that the French had made it clear their position. They don’t want to have a constructive and positive relationship but only want to prove that Brexit was a mistake.
Another comment added: “From explicit warnings regarding the suspension of energy supply to Jersey, to public threats about imposing controls on customs if we don’t comply with their demands. This has been a concerted effort in order to undermine and now break the terms and conditions of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.”
Despite being ready for a possible showdown over fisheries, Emmanuel Macron and Mr Johnson got bumped
France has threatened to impose port and border sanctions on Britain, including increased inspections of British vessels and increased tariffs on energy in Jersey. This is unless the UK issues more fishing licenses for small French boats by Tuesday. Pictured: French fisherman in the fishing town of Port En Bessin
French courts have demanded a £125,000 ‘ransom’ for the release of the British fishing trawler impounded in the Le Havre port
Lord Frost yesterday blasted a ‘pattern’ of threats made by France to Britain and said the UK Government is ‘actively considering’ starting legal proceedings against the country.
The Conservative peer rallied against comments made in a letter to Ms Von Der Leyen by Jean Castex, the French prime minister, that the UK does more harm to leave the EU than it does to stay in.
Lord Frost stated that “To see it expressed like this is clearly very troubling and extremely problematic in the current context where we are trying to resolve many highly sensitive issues including the Northern Ireland Protocol.”