Scottish boat attacked in scallops row

Friday 12 October 2012

A SCOTTISH shellfish supplier has claimed his vessel came under attack from French fishermen in a dispute over scallop dredging in the English Channel.

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Arj Singh

Andy Scott, of Dumfries-based Scott Trawlers, said the crew of the Vertrouwen had feared for their safety during the confrontation involving 30 French vessels and eight UK vessels in the Baie de la Seine, where UK boats are permitted to fish.

He said three French fishermen eventually boarded his vessel, but his skipper had been able to satisfy them he was legally entitled to fish there.British boats have the right to operate in the area, 20 miles north-west of Le Havre, even though it is in French waters.Mr Scott called for British Navy support after the incident on Monday morning, adding: "About seven vessels came in to very close quarters with the Vertrouwen and tried to stop it fishing."It tried to continue fishing, at which time the French vessels started to attack with catapults, stones and nuts and bolts."The crew feared for their safety. They feared the wheelhouse windows were going to be broken."Mr Scott said the French dramatically increased the number of boats in the area to 30 and attempted to throw ropes and nets to snare the Vertrouwen's propeller. He sent another of his vessels, and another Scottish boat to support his crew.He claimed three French fishermen managed to get on board the Vertrouwen and spoke to the skipper before being assured of the vessel's permission to fish in the area.The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) said it was aware of the reports, but could not independently verify the claim that stones had been thrown.The bay had recently been closed off to French vessels by local authorities but was reopened on October 1. UK boats were still entitled to enter the waters during the closure period.The MMO spokeswoman said one reason the closure could have been put in place was so scallop stock levels could be replenished.The situation was eventually defused after the MMO contacted the French authorities, who intervened.Rod Henderson, head of coastal operations for the MMO, said: "As soon as the MMO was made aware of the situation, our officers contacted the French authorities and encouraged them to intervene. "They did and are continuing to deal with this matter."It is the responsibility of the French authorities to ensure the safety of UK vessels in their waters. "Had the situation occurred in UK waters, the Royal Navy would have responded."Mr Henderson added: "Royal Navy fisheries protection vessels do sometimes cross the median line into French waters where a joint operation has been pre-agreed. The next joint operation is already scheduled, and the Royal Navy may soon have a presence in the area as part of this patrol."The MMO is continuing high-level discussions with French counterparts to seek assurances that these issues will not recur."The MMO is also liaising with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which has responsibility for collision at sea regulations, to resolve this issue."The MMO said it understood a French scallop fishing representative met the UK fishermen on board one of the vessels on the evening of October 8 and they resolved the issue.French authorities continue to patrol the area and UK vessels continue to fish there. The MMO said it had received no further reports of problems.A spokeswoman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "It was reported to us on Monday that a number of British fishing vessels were being confronted by French fishing vessels off the coast of Le Havre."As this is outside UK waters, we contacted the French coastguard, who sent a French patrol vessel to the area."She added: "We continue to liaise with the French authorities, who have been dealing with the situation."

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Scottish boat attacked in scallops row

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