‘Major search and rescue’ operation as fishing boat collides with freight ship near Jersey

Large number of local fishing vessels and French helicopters taking part in search, coastguard says

The crash is reported to have taken place near St Ouen’s Bay (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A “major search and rescue” operation is under way after a freight ship collided with a fishing boat carrying three people, off the coast of Jersey.

The smaller vessel is believed to have sunk after the crash in St Ouen’s Bay at approximately 5.30am this morning.

“Debris from the fishing boat is in the sea and the vessel is believed to have sunk,” said Jersey Coastguard.

A captain and two crew members were on board the fishing boat at the time of the crash, the coastguard said on Thursday afternoon.

A large number of local fishing vessels and the RNLI are helping in the search, along with two French rescue helicopters, a naval fixed-wing aircraft, drones and lifeguards using jet-skis, according to the coastguard.

However, the vessel is believed to have sunk in approximately 40 metres of water, which requires specialist diving resources.

As a result, an offshore construction vessel working on a nearby wind farm project was due to arrive with a remote operation vehicles to help confirm the location of the boat, the coastguard said in an update just after 2:30pm.

Condor Ferries, whose freight vessel named Commodore Goodwill was involved in the crash, said in a statement that its ship was “involved in a collision” and that the firm will “fully comply with any investigation”.

“Goodwill was en route from Guernsey to Jersey on her regular sailing when the incident occurred, northwest of Jersey,” said chief executive John Napton.

“The master notified the coastguard in Jersey and Goodwill has assisted in the search and rescue. Condor has notified authorities and will fully comply with any investigation into the incident.”

The freighter was reported to have been carrying five passengers, and 24 crew, and its captain is said by Condor to have remained “in full command of the vessel”.