The flotilla arrived just as the sun rose across Saint Aubin’s bay. Around 70 fishing vessels, flying the French tricolour and the lions passant of Normandy, descended upon Jersey intent on blockading its port.
Locals described the sight as ‘like the arrival of the Spanish Armada’ as fishermen set off flares and displayed banners proclaiming ‘Jersey Government steals our historical wrights (sic)’.
They had travelled from the French ports of Granville, Carteret and St Malo to protest over French post-Brexit access to Jersey’s waters.
The demonstration was marred by ugly scenes when a 35ft French trawler rammed a British boat.