Trawlerman dies after sea collision

A French fisherman died today after a collision between a trawler and a passenger ferry.

The Condor Vitesse ferry was travelling between St Malo, France, and St Helier, Jersey, when it collided with the boat at about 7.50am, Condor Ferries said.

The man was taken to hospital in Jersey by lifeboat but he later died, the ferry operator said in a statement.

Two other French fishermen aboard were taken to the Vitesse and were treated for shock.

Jersey Coastguard is recovering the wreckage of the trawler.

Conditions at the time of the collision were reportedly foggy.

The Condor Vitesse's starboard bow was damaged but was able to return to port under its own power. No passengers were injured, the company said.

Simon Edsall, managing director of Condor Ferries, said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family, friends and colleagues of the fisherman at this difficult time.

"We will continue to work in close co-operation with all authorities involved to ascertain the causes of this unfortunate incident.

"Our master and crew acted quickly to provide assistance to the fisherman following the incident."

The collision happened near the Minquiers islands, he added.

A States of Jersey Police spokesman said the dead man was 42 but his name had not been released.

He explained that it was likely a post-mortem examination would take place in Jersey but the island's authorities were liaising with their French counterparts 15 miles away.

"The collision took place in French waters. We will assist them in their investigation. We have close liaison with the French authorities," he said.