Fishing vessel returns to harbour after Berry Head collision

A Brixham-based beam trawler has returned to harbour with damage to its hull after colliding with Berry Head, a prominent headland near Torbay in Devon.

The 28-metre vessel, named Chloe of Ladram and registered BM201, is part of the Waterdance fishing fleet. It sustained visible dents and scarring to the bow area following the incident with the 200ft (61m) limestone cliffs.

No injuries were reported, and there has been no indication of any environmental impact, such as fuel spillage.

The Chloe of Ladram, originally built in the Netherlands in 1973, was acquired and brought to the UK in 1990. It has operated from Brixham since then, typically targeting species including sole, plaice, monkfish and gurnard.

Waterdance, the company that owns the vessel, has confirmed an incident occurred involving a collision with Berry Head. The firm said it is cooperating fully with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. It emphasised that crew safety, public safety and environmental protection remain priorities, and that no further details would be released while processes continue.

Berry Head is a well-known landmark and National Nature Reserve overlooking Torbay, frequently navigated by vessels entering or leaving Brixham harbour.

The cause of the collision has not been publicly detailed. Local observers have noted the hull damage on the vessel now berthed in Brixham.