Fishermen 'Attacked by French' – the Royal Navy was asked to assist for the first time in twenty years when the French claimed British vessels are taking advantage of local conservation measures.    Seven or eight boats surrounded a British boat in international waters 15 miles off Caen in a dispute over scallop beds.    French fishermen were accused of trying to damage fishing gear and a French fishing protection vessel reportedly refused to intervene.      Up to forty French boats surrounded five British vessels who appeared to be fishing legally, albeit in French waters.

The (UK) Maritime and Coastguard Agency contacted their French counterparts  who sent a patrol vessel to the area and said the French authorities were "continuing to monitor the situation".    The French Government says there is nothing it can do to stop the British boats, because they are in French waters perfectly legally.