The latest case to come before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea raises some interesting questions about the availability of prompt release proceedings for vessels arrested for violating laws and regulations in the exclusive economic zone of a coastal state. The case has been initiated by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines following the arrest of the MV Louisa, a research vessel flying its flag. At the same time as invoking the dispute settlement procedures in Part XV of the Law of the Sea Convention, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has requested provisional measures, including a request for the release of the MV Louisa and its tender, Gemini III. This dispute raises a number of issues concerning the law relating to the prompt release of vessels under the Convention.