Covert Operation Uncovered: RIB and Support Vehicles Linked to Attempted Rendezvous with “Cool Explorer“

A sophisticated attempt to intercept a vessel known as the “Cool Explorer” has been detailed in court, involving a high-powered Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) and a network of support vehicles, including a campervan, Land Rover, and Scania truck.

The Investigation’s Findings

Inspector Young of the investigation teams presented evidence suggesting a planned “rendezvous” or “sea drop off” with the “Cool Explorer.” The operation appears to have been meticulously planned, utilizing specialized equipment and coordinated movements across the UK and Ireland.

The RIB: A Vessel Designed for stealth

The RIB itself was found to be equipped with three powerful 300-horsepower engines and a substantial fuel supply, indicating a long-range capability. Former naval officer Gary Delany, acting as a consultant, noted that key components, including the central control panel and Garmin radar dome, had been painted black. Crucially, the RIB lacked a radar reflector, a standard safety feature for vessels of its type.

“His description was that it was for the purposes of detecting but not being detected,” Inspector Young stated, highlighting the covert nature of the RIB’s modifications.

GPS data recovered from the RIB confirmed its presence at a pier at 5 am on the morning in question. Mr. Delany established that the intention was to “rendezvous” with the “Cool Explorer” that morning. The RIB’s console contained 27 waypoints, which Inspector Young explained could represent intended destinations or points of travel. the entirety of the RIB’s journey,spanning 985km over just under 48 hours,showed a clear attempt to intercept the “Cool Explorer.” The RIB altered its course on two occasions in an effort to “interdict the passage of the ship.”

The operation was ultimately thwarted when the RIB, approximately 50km from Lizard Point in the UK, turned back. At this point, it was still some 100km away from the “Cool Explorer’s” position.

The Support Network: Vehicles and Equipment

The investigation uncovered a network of vehicles used to support the operation. A campervan, hired in the Armagh area, was fitted with a GPS tracker and had been driven from the north of Ireland to the south. A Land Rover, stolen in Glasgow the previous December, was found to be fitted with false registration plates.

The Scania truck, responsible for transporting the RIB, bore bulgarian plates and was linked to a Northern Ireland-based company with a sister company in Bulgaria. Sean Curran, aged 37, from Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, was identified as an employee of this company and worked as a truck driver.

A important quantity of nautical equipment was discovered in the campervan and an Airbnb rental. This included a large number of dry suits and wet suits, electronic devices, and over 30 mobile phones, some of which were satellite phones. Inspector Young emphasized that satellite phones can operate independently of land masses,making them suitable for maritime use. Other seized items included GPS devices, radios, control panels, a high-frequency detector, and binoculars.

Legal Proceedings and Future Trials

The sentencing hearing for those involved is ongoing. Separately, counsel for three co-accused – Ali Ghasemi mazidi, aged 50, from the Netherlands; Sean Curran, aged 37, from Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh; and Raul Tabares Garcia, aged 48, from Cadiz, Spain – indicated that their clients were seeking trial dates. Ms. Justice Karen O’Connor stated that the matter would be listed for mention on Monday,July 28th,with a view to setting a trial date at that time.