A search and rescue operation started in the waters around Jersey in the Channel Islands on December 8, after a Ro-Ro cargo ship hit and sunk a fishing vessel off France.
However, the Jersey Coastguard later suspended the search for the night, bringing in a construction vessel working at a nearby offshore wind farm to help with an underwater survey before continuing their efforts.
The incident took place as the cargo Ro-Ro Commodore Goodwill was heading for Jersey. The vessel had left Guernsey about 45 minutes earlier with 24 crew aboard as well as five passengers.
Witnesses reported hearing blasts of the ship’s horn followed by the vessel tilling when it hit the fishing boat. After the collision, the fishing boat was seen drifting away, with passengers aboard the Commodore Goodwill reporting that the crew responded quickly.
Namely, the Ro-Ro immediately commenced its search as well as notifying the authorities. The local RNLI lifeboats were deployed as well as boats from neighboring Guernsey.
Later, two French rescue helicopters and a French naval fixed-wing aircraft joined in the search as well as local fishing boats, coast watchers, and drones.
The Commodore Goodwill was also searching the water using its spotlights before it was released and proceeded to Elizabeth Harbor on Jersey for investigations to begin their work.
By mid-day afternoon, the Coastguard was found some debris in the water, but added that the fishing boat has probably sunk.
None of the crew or passengers aboard the Ro-Ro were injured.
