‘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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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”.