Search and rescue operation under way for three fishermen missing after their boat collided with ferry off Jersey
A major search and rescue operation has been launched for three fishermen who are missing after their boat has sunk off the UK coast.
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The Commodore Goodwill, a freight ship owned by Condor Ferries, and an 18-metre fishing boat collided at about 5.30am.
Debris from the fishing boat is said to be in the sea.
RNLI's St Helier, the Guernsey lifeboat and French rescue helicopters have joined in the search mission.
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A spokesperson for Ports of Jersey said: "A major search and rescue operation is underway in St Ouen’s Bay following a collision at sea. We will provide more details when we can."
The ferry has been confirmed as Commodore Goodwill, run by Condor Ferries. That vessel, carrying five passengers and 24 crew members, is still under control of its crew and docked in Elizabeth Harbour.
"The ship departed Guernsey for Jersey at 04:41 this morning and the incident occurred at around 05:30," CEO John Napton said.
A spokesman for Jersey Coastguard added: "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 is continuing to coordinate the response."
Websites that monitor sea traffic show a number of boats in the area while aircraft trackers show planes flying in a search pattern.