Ship unseaworthy
Once in port, the Dutch Radio Controle Dienst (Radio Control Services) boarded the ship, but because the transmitter was not complete, they did not seize the ship. The Scheepvaartinspectie (Dutch shipping inspector) also went on board and declared the ship unseaworthy, and could only leave port after all major repairs had been completed.
Ronan O'Rahilly claimed that he had dismissed all the crew and staff, and called upon the Dutch Navy to intervene, on the grounds of piracy on the high seas. His request was ignored. Meanwhile the Haarlem District Court granted an injunction against the owners of the Mi Amigo, in favour of the Captain and crew, and ordered the ship impounded.

Ronan O'rahilly - dismissing the crew

Return to sea
Later in the evening, Captain van der Kamp who had heard of the radioships movement, boarded the Mi Amigo and laid claim to her. Meanwhile Ronan O'Rahilly had managed to obtain some funds, and after several hours of talks the outstanding monies were handed over.

The MV Mi Amigo was taken back to sea by Captain Jacob Taal, and just after three in the afternoon of 2nd January, broadcasts resumed on 1187kHz. Dutch programmes were broadcast between 06:00 -18:00 and English programmes between 18:00 - 06:00

Return to sea - Ronan O'Rahilly

Over the next few weeks the quality of programming and signal improved, and regular broadcasts recommenced using the 50 kilowatt transmitter, from 25th January.