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A specialist vessel from the St. Brieuc wind farm project has been called in to help identify the fishing boat that collided with a Condor freight ship this morning as the search for the three fishers on board continues.
The collision between the L’Ecume II and the Commodore Goodwill happened to the north-west of the island around 05:30 this morning.
In a statement issued this afternoon, Harbourmaster Bill Sadler said: "The vessel is believed to have sunk in approximately 40 metres of water, which requires specialist diving resource.
"So, an offshore construction vessel currently working on the St. Brieuc wind farm project, will be coming with one of its remote operation vehicles to confirm the location of the boat.
"The Goodwill is currently docked in Elizabeth Harbour."
Video: Harbourmaster Captain Bill Sadler giving an update.
News of the collision sparked a major air and sea search this morning.
Coastguards deployed the RNLI's inshore and all-weather lifeboats, two French rescue helicopters, Guernsey's RNLI all-weather lifeboat and a French naval fixed-wing aircraft.
Also involved were the Channel Island Air Search, Ports of Jersey's pilot boat, and the Government of Jersey's Fisheries rib.
Video: A timelapse showing path of vessels as Commodore Goodwill collides with fishing boat, and lifeboats and other fishing vessels scrambling to assist with the major search effort. (Marine Traffic)
A large number of local fishing vessels have also assisted with the search, as well as drones, beach lifeguards on jet-skis, and honorary police officers.
Debris has been found as far away as off the coast of Plemont, and Don Thompson, President of the Jersey Fishing Association, said earlier today that there was "no sign of a life raft".
He added that the island's fishing community was "hoping for the best but preparing for the worst".
Pictured: A sonar image of what is believed to be the wreck of the fishing boat, L'Ecume II.
The Harbourmaster said that "Jersey Coastguard is continuing to coordinate the response, in conjunction with the States of Jersey police, the Government of Jersey, and other agencies."
Follow Express for updates...
Condor collision: “We are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst” - video
Fishing boat “believed to have sunk” after colliding with Condor freight ship
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