Ireland’s seized drug-smuggling vessel MV Matthew leaves Cork Harbour after nearly three years, following a sale for $1 to an international shipping company. Multiple outlets report that the ship is linked to Ireland’s largest cocaine seizure and has been held by the State while authorities dealt with its custody, maintenance and related matters. The Irish Times and other papers cite figures from State agencies indicating that Irish taxpayers spent roughly €17 million maintaining the vessel during this period. One report notes the cost to the State was about €16.8 million, while others describe it as close to €17 million. The ship departs Cork on Friday, and at least one outlet says it is towed or taken to Bulgaria as part of its onward transfer after the sale. The transaction ends a long-running case involving the vessel’s seizure and detention, which began after the major cocaine find and continued through extended storage in the harbour. Sources agree on the main points: the final departure from Cork, the $1 sale price, and the reported €17 million maintenance cost to the State.