Major search after Portsmouth ferry collides with fishing boat

Local fisherman have joined a major search operation off the coast of Jersey after a Portsmouth cross-channel ferry collided with a fishing boat.

Commodore Goodwill was sailing to the island when it happened early this morning near St Ouen's Bay.

The fishing vessel later sank - with the captain and two crew members still missing.

Condor Ferries says it'll fully comply with any investigations.

A spokesperson for Jersey Coastguard said: "We're continuing to coordinate a major search and rescue operation, after the Commodore Goodwill collided with a Jersey fishing boat just after 5.30am this morning.

"There were three people on board 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.

"A large number of local fishing vessels have also been helping with the search, as well as drones, beach lifeguards on jet-skis, and honorary police officers.

"The vessel is believed to have sunk in approximately 40 metres of water, which requires specialist diving resource. So, an offshore construction vessel currently working on the St Brieuc wind farm project, will be coming with one of its remote operation vehicles to confirm the location of the boat.

"The Goodwill is currently docked in Elizabeth Harbour.

"Jersey Coastguard is continuing to coordinate the response, in conjunction with the States of Jersey police, the Government of Jersey, and other agencies."

John Napton, Condor Ferries’ CEO, said:

‘WE have been notified by the authorities that the search and rescue operation for the missing crew members of the fishing boat has been suspended for today.

This is a very difficult situation and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of these fellow seafarers as we all try to come to terms with what has happened.

Condor is fully complying with the ongoing investigation which will establish the cause of this incident.’