Police and customs officials raided gambling boat Nio Be Corinthian yesterday.

The Royal Gazette understands that a number of gambling machines were seized by officers.

The 196-foot luxury vessel has hit the headlines in the past owing to controversial plans to operate her offshore as a casino. She arrived in Bermuda on July 24 and was moored at St. David's at the time of the raid.

Lawyer Llewellyn Peniston, acting on behalf of owners Estrellas Management (BVI) Ltd, has previously indicated gambling could take place once the boat sails off Bermuda's shores into international waters where the Island's strict anti-gaming laws would not apply.

Last year, customs officers raided the boat when she was moored in Dockyard over non payment of duty and failure to obtain the necessary permission to operate in local waters. An injunction halted that action.

Yesterday afternoon, Mr. Peniston appeared at Magistrates' Court on behalf of the owners to seek the discharge of a Police search warrant relating to the vessel. Acting Magistrate Justin Williams told Mr. Peniston to take the matter to Supreme Court.

However, the Royal Gazette understands that this bid failed and Police boarded the boat later yesterday. A spokesman said the action had been part of a joint ongoing operation between Police and Customs.

A crew member on board the Nio Be Corinthian said he was not in a position to speak about the action last night. Mr. Peniston could not be reached for comment.