Work permits for a controversial fishing vessel are now being processed, a Minister has stated.

Local businessman Neil Inchcup first brought the Havana-registered Jurel into local waters in October.

But the ship was put under quarantine and ordered to moor offshore amid fears some of its 26-strong crew would jump ship to seek asylum. Paula Cox, Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety, confirmed she had received a number of work permit applications.

It is believed the crew require a special type of permit as they would only be working from Bermuda and only on the Island when catches are unloaded.

The ship was last in Bermuda on Friday to refuel and pick up bait. But it will spend the next 40 days at sea and is not expected to return until January.

Ms Cox said she planned to use the interim period to confer with other ministries to determine how the granting of the permits may affect the local fishing industry.

"By the time they come back, a decision should be made.'' GOVERNMENT GVT