An Isle of Man Government fisheries protection vessel (FPV) which enforces legislation up to 12 nautical miles offshore, was recently involved in a ‘close quarters situation’ with another boat.

According to ManxRadio, the incident led to ‘avoidance manoeuvres’ having to be undertaken on 1 November after the Department of of Environment, Food and Agriculture's (DEFA) fisheries patrol vessel FPV Barrule and a local fishing boat had almost collided.

The next day the incident was reported to the Isle of Man Ship Registry.

Following the near collision, details of the incident between the 22m FPV Barrule and the fishing boat were released in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

The questioner had asked DEFA as to whether the fishing boat, the Bonnie Lass would have been ‘T-boned’ if it hadn’t been put into reverse, with its trawl gear down.

FPV Barrule Afloat adds is used by DEFA officers to enforce sea fisheries legislation within Manx territorial waters where the FPV is equipped with a RIB which is launched from the stern. This enables officers to board fishing vessels for inspection.

Another function is for scientists to conduct monitoring and survey work aswell to DEFA chartering the vessel which has a crew of five but is licensed to carry up to 12 persons.