MV Matthew Relocated in Cork Harbour After Major Drug Seizure

UPDATE: The MV Matthew has been moved this afternoon to a new location in Cork Harbour, more than two years after its seizure in a significant drug bust operation. The vessel was towed from its previous berth near the former IFI plant by multiple tugboats, marking a critical development in an ongoing case that has seen substantial expenditure by the State.

Authorities report that since its seizure on September 26, 2023, the State has incurred over €10.88 million in costs associated with the vessel. This figure includes €4.439 million for maintenance from September 2023 through September 2025, alongside €3.899 million for a full-time crew and €2.542 million for berthing fees in Cork.

The relocation of the MV Matthew comes amid ongoing scrutiny from the Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee. Committee member Séamus McGrath, a Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central, has indicated that Revenue is scheduled to address questions regarding these escalating costs in early December.

The ship was at the center of an extensive drug trafficking case, where approximately 2.25 tonnes of cocaine, valued at around €157 million, was discovered on board. In July, eight individuals received a combined sentence of 129 years in prison for their involvement in the foiled smuggling attempt.

Despite being cleared for potential sale last December, the MV Matthew remained docked until now. In recent updates, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed that a preferred bidder has been identified, but emphasized that “significant regulatory and legal obligations” must be resolved before the vessel can be sold.

Since March 2025, Revenue has actively engaged with Panama, the vessel’s flag state, to fulfill necessary regulatory requirements. Minister Donohoe noted that past discrepancies in how the previous owner managed regulatory processes have led to delays in moving forward with the sale.

In a recent statement, he remarked:

“Progress has been made in addressing some of these difficulties, including the registration of Revenue’s ownership of the vessel in the flag state.”

As the situation develops, the focus remains on the next steps for the MV Matthew, with authorities eager to ensure compliance with all regulations before proceeding with its sale. The implications of this case extend beyond the ship itself, raising questions about drug trafficking and law enforcement in the region.

Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story as authorities work to finalize the future of the MV Matthew and address the financial burdens incurred by the State.