Two Tunisian fishermen have been fined €10,000 for illegally fishing in Maltese waters.

The captain of the fishing vessel 'Sinane', Sassi Riadh, 50, was charged with having carried out cage fishing activities without holding the necessary permit.

Najmeddine Oswlati, 47, was charged with hindering officials from the fisheries department from carrying out their duties.

Lawyer James D’Agostino told the court that Mr Oswlati did not mean to hinder the inspection and that the miscommunication had resulted from the language barrier.

The captain also reluctantly admitted to the charge brought against him but tried to tell the court that the incident was out of his control.

It is understood that the accused had insisted during interrogation that the boat's engine had died and that the vessel had consequently drifted into Maltese waters. He had also allegedly claimed that the fishing cage had been blown over the side by strong winds.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja fined the captain €5,000 while Mr Owslati was fined €2,000. The two men were also ordered to pay €3,000 in fees to the fisheries department.

The vessel will be held by the authorities until all dues are paid.

Police inspector Daryl Borg prosecuted.