FISH WAR HITS BRIT TRAWLERS
Flares and rocks hurled at scallop crews
FRENCH trawlers have clashed with British boats in the Channel.
Two UK vessels – the Gal Macey and Golden Promise – were involved in the skirmish.
Crewmen told how they were surrounded by around 20 French ships and pelted with pans and rocks.
French crews also threw oil at the Gal Macey before firing a flare at it.
Derek Meredith, owner of the Golden Promise, said: “The fishermen were surrounding our boats and throwing things at them. It’s the same as last year.”
Tensions have been brewing for years because of different fishing restrictions in the UK and France. The latest violence has led to calls for the Royal Navy to step in to protect crews.
Brian “Winkle” Whittington, 43, skipper of the Golden Promise, said: “I was expecting it this time, they only do it in the dark. We can’t use the radio when they do it as they just talk over us.”
Both vessels are based in Brixham, Devon.
British crews claim the French are trying to retain the best stocks for themselves and keep UK boats out of the good fishing areas. Mr Meredith said: “We haven’t done nothing wrong.
“What the French were saying is a load of crap – that our boats were fishing in the wrong place.
“Over there, the navy are on it and take you in if you do go into the wrong area.”
He added: “They track you all the time.”
Despite the risks, the British crews have vowed to continue fishing in the Channel.
Mr Whittington said: “We don’t fight back. If we start throwing things at them then it will be our fault.”
There were similar scenes last year when British crews were left “extremely shaken” by another attack.