Fisherman was crushed by high-speed ferry

Saturday 2nd April 2011, 2:30PM BST.

Philippe Lesaulnier A FISHERMAN’S death was inevitable after Condor Vitesse ploughed into his boat, an inquest heard yesterday.

Philippe Lesaulnier (pictured) – a married father of four – died after the high-speed ferry smashed into a French potter in thick fog five days ago.

During the opening of the inquest into his death, Detective Inspector Chris Beechey revealed that the 42-year-old had died of ‘crush injuries to the upper abdomen’ and that drowning also contributed to the death.

He told the inquest: ‘Death was inevitable and quick. There was nothing that could have been done.’

Deputy Viscount Peter de Gruchy gave permission for Mr Lesaulnier’s body to be repatriated to France, and adjourned the inquest to resume after the end of any criminal proceedings.