An elite special forces unit has carried out a counter terrorism exercise involving a staged hijacking of a ferry when bound for Dublin Port. 

The Defence Forces special forces unit, the Army Ranger Wing, led the operation, assisted by the Air Corps and the Naval Service.

The live exercise involved the ARW boarding the Stena Line ferry by sea and by air and re-taking control of the vessel.

Last October, the British naval special forces unit boarded a hijacked tanker off the Isle of Wight and arrested seven people.

In a statement, the Defence Forces said that on Thursday morning “Óglaigh na hÉireann conducted a complex exercise in the vicinity of Dublin Port”.

More from the Irish Examiner which also highlighted the role of LÉ James Joyce during the exercise.