Border service finds no offences on private boats

A maritime border operation targeting private boats arriving in Jersey found no offences and only minor breaches of customs and immigration rules, officials said.

The Jersey Customs and Immigration Service (JCIS) worked with officers from the UK Border Security Command during a planned enforcement operation between 4 and 6 September.

Teams aboard HM Cutter Vigilant monitored vessels entering Jersey waters, with a number of motorboats and sailing boats examined.

Private vessels travelling from outside the Common Travel Area must submit a Maritime Declaration before entering Jersey. The operation found a high level of compliance among boat operators, with only minor infringements detected.

The operation involved support from local agencies including Jersey Fisheries and Jersey Coastguard.

Jersey Fisheries' protection vessel, the Norman Le Brocq, was also deployed as part of the joint effort.

JCIS head of service Rhiannon Small said while the operation had identified a high level of compliance, it remained vigilant to the risks posed by illicit goods and people attempting to evade border controls.

"Working closely with our local and UK partners, we will continue to take robust action to detect, deter and disrupt unlawful activity, demonstrating our shared commitment to keeping Jersey's borders safe, secure and well protected," she said.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.