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# Border Force intercepts suspicious boat on fire off Plymouth coast
- URL: https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/border-force-intercepts-suspicious-boat-on-fire-off-plymouth-coast/
- Published: 2025-03-04T22:09:09.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-17T18:16:46.000Z
- Author: Seamus McCoy
- Tags: Exclusive, News

Plymouth Plus can exclusively reveal that the UK Border Force has seized a suspicious vessel after a dramatic fire at sea.

The boat, intercepted offshore, was towed into Plymouth earlier this afternoon, 4 March, as part an emergency operation that remains shrouded in mystery.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/74/83/7483ab0e-4e89-48b0-a2a9-d29bc2bbbe08/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250304_165448284.jpg)

The boat damaged by the fire. ****© Plymouth Plus**

Plymouth Plus has been providing [live updates](https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/firefighters-and-police-rush-to-boat-fire-in-plymouth/) throughout the day as the situation unfolded. The Border Force and the fire service, remain at the scene this evening.

A Home Office spokesperson confirmed to Plymouth Plus that Border Force maritime officers intercepted the vessel, tackled a fire on board, and rescued three crew members. 

It is highly unusual for the Border Force to lead such an operation instead of HM Coastguard, raising questions about the nature of the vessel and its cargo.

This decision for Border Force to lead the operation instead of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has prompted speculation. 

Authorities have not yet confirmed if the vessel was intercepted before the fire broke out or whether it was already under surveillance.

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The boat remains under official control in Plymouth while investigations continue. Plymouth Plus will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. 

**Have anymore information, pictures or video on this incident? Email us:** [**news@plymouthplus.co.uk**](mailto: news@plymouthplus.co.uk)**.** 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/74/83/7483ab0e-4e89-48b0-a2a9-d29bc2bbbe08/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250304_183137724--1-.jpg)

Fire crews and Border Force at the scene this evening. ****© Plymouth Plus**

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