Guernsey may call in navy

Guernsey might call in the Royal Navy to protect its sea fisheries officers after what it described as dangerous and aggressive actions by French fishermen.

French boats closed in on the officers' small inflatable craft when they tried to approach a trawler illegally fishing in restricted British waters. The Guernsey authorities say the officers' safety was put in jeopardy in the heavy seas and Force Six winds, and warn that if the aggressive behaviour continues they will consider calling in the Royal Navy.

They are also seeking a response from the French government about the incident, asking why a French navy helicopter and coast guard vessel were present, apparently supporting the fishermen's defiance of the Guernsey ban.