31st December 1968
Guernsey Police makes the world’s first underwater arrest
As a local delicacy, the ormer enjoys unusual protection. When and where it can be collected is strictly controlled and the penalty for breaking the rules can be expensive: a fine of up to £5000 or six months in prison. A 1968 case of unauthorised ormering led Guernsey Police to make the world’s first underwater arrest.
A passer-by had spotted a diver off Castle Cornet apparently collecting ormers both out of season and while fully submerged, both of which are forbidden.
Underwater arrest
Guernsey Police dispatched Constable David Archer, who entered the water just south of the castle where, true enough, he spotted the diver collecting the shellfish around 12m (40ft) below the surface. Archer tapped the man on the shoulder and motioned for him to go up to the surface. As soon as they both had their heads above the water, Archer arrested him and both men had earned themselves a place in Guernsey’s history books.
Ormers, called abalones elsewhere, can only be gathered on days of the full and new moon, and the two days that follow either, between 1st January and 30th April each year. Any ormers less than 80mm long, when measured along the longest axis of the shell, must immediately be put back where they were found. The use of any breathing aparatus is forbidden, as is being partially submerged. The only way to collect them, then, is by wading into the water and remaining upright.
FREE Guernsey history newsletter
Don't miss our weekly update on Guernsey's fascinating history. We promise never to sell your data to anyone else, and there's a super-easy unsubscribe link on the bottom of each email so you can leave whenever you want.
Other events that occured in December
Guernseyman Herbert Le Patourel wrongly thought killed
- Guernsey-born Herbert Wallace Le Patourel was in Tunisia, commanding Z Company, when his men came under bombardment.
- Read more…
Herm bribery case comes to court
- The courts heard a bribery case when the tenancy of Herm island became available
- Read more…
Ebenezer Le Page author GB Edwards dies
- Although GB Edwards spent much of his life away from Guernsey, he wrote one of the most admired books about the island
- Read more…
Guillaume de Beauvoir appointed dean of English Church in Geneva
- Guernsey-botn Guillaume de Beauvoir fled to Geneva to escape persecution and was appointed dean of the English Church
- Read more…