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Today in History: Irish patrol sinks Sonia after 600 shots

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 10:33 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

On 20 October 1984, the Irish Naval Service patrol vessel LÉ Aisling chased the Spanish trawler Sonia for five hours after the ship ignored orders to stop in Irish waters; during the pursuit nearly 600 rounds were fired, and the trawler later sank off Cornwall, England.

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Story summary

On 20 October 1984, the Irish Naval Service patrol vessel LÉ Aisling chased the Spanish trawler Sonia for five hours after the ship ignored orders to stop in Irish waters; during the pursuit nearly 600 rounds were fired, and the trawler later sank off Cornwall, England.