Armed French police have started patrols on cross-Channel ferries as part of efforts to prevent terrorist attacks. The initiative began on Monday, with officers boarding the Brittany Ferries vessel Mont St Michel by helicopter as it approached France.
French marine police spokesman Lieutenant Pierre-Joachim Antona said a 'permanent unit' had been deployed to carry out high-visibility, random but regular patrols on passenger ferries. The first patrol saw three sea marshals flown onto the ship at 17:30 BST, after it had left Portsmouth for Caen at 14:45.
Passengers were informed via announcements in English and French, and access to outside decks was restricted during the helicopter's arrival. The marshals then patrolled the bridge and passenger areas.
However, no agreement is yet in place for French police to patrol vessels in UK waters. Maritime law expert Professor Andrew Serdy of Southampton University noted that French police have no jurisdiction in UK territorial waters except by agreement, and that airlifting officers showed 'abundance of caution' until a deal is reached.
The UK Home Office said security arrangements were under 'constant review' and that it works closely with French counterparts on counter-terrorism. French authorities have not set a timeline for a full agreement.
