Crew missing after fishing boat is hit by massive ship out at sea on UK coast

A Jersey fishing boat was struck by a freight vessel off the coast of Channel Island, kick-starting a major search and rescue operation.

The search was temporarily called off last night but will continue today (9 December).

The Jersey Coastguard said in a statement: “There were three people onboard the fishing vessel: the captain and two crew members. Coastguards have deployed the RNLI’s inshore and all-weather lifeboats, two French rescue helicopters, Guernsey’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat and a French naval fixed-wing aircraft.

“Also involved in the search are Channel Island Air Search, Ports of Jersey’s pilot boat, and the government of Jersey’s fisheries rib.”

Chief executive of Condor Ferries John Napton also confirmed that one of the company’s vessels had been involved in the collision, saying: “We can confirm that Commodore Goodwill was involved in a collision with a fishing boat at 5.30 this morning.

“Goodwill was en route from Guernsey to Jersey on her regular sailing when the incident occurred, north-west of Jersey. 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.”

Kristina Moore, Jersey’s chief minister, sent her ‘thoughts and prayers’ to the victims, tweeting: “Watching this situation closely.

“Grateful to all the French, Guernsey and Jersey services and fishing community who are searching for the crew. My thoughts and prayers are with the crew and their families.”

President of the Jersey Fishermen’s Association Don Thompson claimed a wreckage had been located via sonar, saying: “It’s three and a half miles west of St Ouen’s Bay. It is on the seabed in about 40 to 50 metres of water, and that depth of water and the strong tides there are a challenge.”