French fishermen's strike traps tourists at ports

Striking French fishermen maintained a firm blockade of channel ports Sunday, trapping thousands of holidaymakers in northern France. Police reported traffic jams of more than 25 miles as tourists tried to reach Belgium and other foreign ports unaffected by the strike. Radio broadcasts warned motorists to avoid rushing to Belgium, as ferries were booked solid for the next three days.

The fishermen have been on strike for more than three weeks to protest a decision to cut crew levels to offset rising fuel costs. Independent fishermen are also protesting high government fuel taxes.