British fishermen were caught up in the early hours of Tuesday in the latest episode of a years-long war with France over the pricy shellfish, dubbed “Scallops War”.
In the shocking footage, shared by French media company France 3, one fishing vessel is seen attempting to ram another one, with a smaller boat getting stuck between them.
French fishermen then threw rocks at one of the British vessels involved in the clash.
The conflict, which took place in the 40-mile stretch of international water known as Seine Bay, sparked as the French tried to prevent Britons from fishing in their waters.
According to France 3, the attack had been planned overnight by the French, as they gathered on their northern coasts and set off from Trouville-sur-Mer, Port-en-Bessin and Ouistreham to confront the Britons.
The British fishermen were outnumbered by around 40 French vessels.
The clash left at least three boats with holes in their hulls, according to France 3.
Officials from France had to be called to bring back peace in the turmoiled waters.
Dimitri Rogoff, president of the Regional Committee of Normandy maritime fishing, admitted his compatriots threw stones, but he claimed he didn’t hear of any injuries.
He added: “The French went to contact the British to stop them working and they clashed with each other.
“The French almost surrounded the British.”
Mr Rogoff confirmed that “around 40 vessels” had gathered overnight in protest at British “pillaging” of the scallop supply, of which Normandy waters are particularly rich.
The fishing chief also explained French fishermen must abide by rules that cripple their possibility to get scallops, which differs from the ones Britons have to follow.
He said: “French regulations require French fishermen to not fish shellfish between May 15 and October 1.
“Britons do not have to respect this regulation.”
According to Mr Rogoff, this situation leaves his fishermen with little to catch.
The Scallops War first blew up in 2012, when French fishermen attempted for the first time to ram British boats.
But the conflict had been simmering long before that year.
Britain’s scallop fishing industry provides for 1,200 jobs, and is worth some £120 million a year.
Under EU rules, British fishermen can catch scallops only in Seine Bay, between October and January.
They are not allowed to fish within 12 miles of the French coast.
It is unclear whether the latest conflict took place within France’s national waters.