A SAILOR from Dorset was caught up in an attack on a British yacht by French fisherman blockading Cherbourg port.

Plumber Hugh Duncan is among dozens of holidaymakers still trapped as protests continue over rising fuel costs.

Mr Duncan, 58, witnessed an attack on the Sabriel by two French boats, which dragged a line underneath its propeller.

Mr Duncan, of Coiombe Street, Lyme Regis, said the British vessel, which was crewed by Royal Navy personnel, made a bid for freedom as protesters let a French craft into the harbour.

Mr Duncan, who is aboard the yacht Godwill with fellow members of Lyme Regis Sailing Club, said: "The Sabriel made a run for it when the protesters dropped the line to let the other boat in.

"The fishermen tried to board the Sabriel and couldn't and then put a line under the boat, which got caught up in the propeller. It's absolutely loopy, crazy behaviour and very dangerous."

Mr Duncan left Dorset on Thursday with three friends on a wine run and planned to be back in Britain by now.

He added: "British yachters and sailors have got nothing to do with the French protests.

"We're planning on having a meeting with them tonight because I think even the authorities realise this is starting to go a bit too far now.

"The French have been letting down their barrier at about 7pm to let boats into the harbour since the protests started.

"I think if the negotiations aren't successful we're just going to try and bust our way out."

Mr Duncan estimates around 50 British vessels are still stuck in the harbour and have been battered towards the French coast by northerly storms.

Another Dorset sailor, Lawrence Crapper of Christchurch Yacht Club, said French protesters showed no signs of letting up and that he had also been stuck there for days.

The honorary secretary of the Christchurch Yacht Club, Chris Austin, added: "Lawrence left last week to go on his annual holiday.

"Other members of the club had been ready to get out there too over the bank holiday weekend but changed their minds after they saw the news about the protests.

"Unfortunately it was a bit too late for Lawrence by then."