A wreck has been located in around 40-50 metres of water, believed to be the fishing vessel lost following a collision with freighter Commodore Goodwill early this morning.
No life raft has been located, and an extensive search is in progress, co-ordinated by Jersey Coastguard.
According to a statement by Jersey Coastguard, the skipper and two crew were on board. The fishing vessel has been named as L’Ecume II J-158, and the skipper as Michael Michieli.
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 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.
An offshore construction vessel currently working on the St Brieuc wind farm project, is bringing one of its remote operation vehicles to confirm the location of the boat.
Jersey Coastguard is continuing to coordinate the response, in conjunction with the States of Jersey police, the Government of Jersey, and other agencies.
