Search launched for three British sailors after fishing boat smashed into ferry in English Channel

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Frantic search is launched for three British sailors after fishing boat smashed into ferry in English Channel and is feared to have sunk

  • The collision occurred between a fishing vessel and a Condor Ferry at 5.30am
  • Commodore Goodwill was en route from Guernsey on Thursday in St Ouen’s Bay
  • Divers have been sent to the scene to inspect the wreck of the fishing vessel

By Jonathan Rose For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

A major search and rescue operation has been launched for three people after a ferry collided with a fishing boat off the coast of Jersey.

The collision occurred between a local fishing vessel and a Condor Ferry called Commodore Goodwill at 5.30am on Thursday at sea in St Ouen’s Bay.

Goodwill was en route from Guernsey to Jersey when the collision happened in temperatures of 4C.

Divers have been sent to the scene to inspect the wreck of the fishing vessel which sank and was later located in 50m (164ft) of water.

The collision occurred between a local fishing vessel and a Condor Ferry called Commodore Goodwill (pictured) at 5.30am on Thursday at sea in St Ouen’s Bay

Rescue boats, including the RNLI's St Helier all-weather and inshore lifeboats, who received a call at 5.43am, as well as the Guernsey lifeboat, are involved in the rescue operation

Rescue boats, including the RNLI’s St Helier all-weather and inshore lifeboats, who received a call at 5.43am, as well as the Guernsey lifeboat, are involved in the rescue operation

Coastguards called out the RNLI's inshore and all-weather lifeboats and two French rescue helicopters, Guernsey's RNLI all-weather lifeboat and a French naval fixed-wing aircraft

Coastguards called out the RNLI’s inshore and all-weather lifeboats and two French rescue helicopters, Guernsey’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat and a French naval fixed-wing aircraft

Rescue boats, including the RNLI’s St Helier all-weather and inshore lifeboats, who received a call at 5.43am, as well as the Guernsey lifeboat, are involved in the rescue operation.

Jersey Coastguard coordinated a major search and rescue operation this morning.

Coastguards called out the RNLI’s inshore and all-weather lifeboats and two French rescue helicopters, Guernsey’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat and a French naval fixed-wing aircraft.

A large number of local fishing vessels have also joined the search.

The Goodwill has now docked in Elizabeth Harbour and Jersey Coastguard are continuing to coordinate the response.

The RNLI has been contacted for more information.