allegedly tried to cut the tow rope.

Yesterday, officers seized video footage of the blockade from VSB Television and on Friday they took film from the Bermuda Broadcasting Company as well as Panatel VDS Ltd.

They are examining whether any offences were committed when some commercial fishermen formed a "picket line'' around a Government tug pulling the Xing Da from Marginal Wharf last Thursday.

Police are also looking for evidence of an alleged attempt to cut the tow rope between the Powerful to the old Chinese freighter.

Last Thursday, fishermen staged a demonstration against the sinking of the ship which they claim will harm the reefs and affect migrating fish.

About a dozen fishing boats formed a line around the tug and the Xing Da as she was towed from St. David's.

Several fishing boats were damaged as they got caught up in the tug's wake and the ship was eventually scuttled in 100 feet of water in an area off Dockyard known as Eastern Blue Cut.

Police won permission from Magistrates for search warrants against the BBC and Panatel last Friday. Magistrate Cheryl Ann Mapp gave permission yesterday to search the VSB offices.

The VSB warrant says: "Police are investigating the incident surrounding the sinking of the ship Xing Da .

"As the Government tug Powerful attempted to tow the hulk to deep water prior to sinking, a person aboard one of the local fishing boats attempted to cut the tow line between the tug and the Xing Da causing damage.

"Police seek permission to enter the below listed offices and seize video tape of the activities of the various factions for evidential purposes.'' It is understood Police are investigating several alleged offences including the tow rope incident as well as offences under the Powercraft Act, such as encroaching with 300 feet of a vessel under tow.

Last night, VSB reporter Bryan Darby said the TV station complied with the search warrant and handed over video footage -- which he said did not show the alleged rope cutting.

He said he was concerned about the principle involved; saying that cameramen could be put at risk if the people being filmed thought the video could be handed to the Police.

"We are concerned about the principle, but the owners have complied because there is nothing on the film that can incriminate,'' added Mr. Darby.

The breaking of the fishermen's "picket line'' outraged the Bermuda Industrial Union who accused Government of ordering the illegal crossing of the picket.

BIU president Derrick Burgess also accused Government of putting cash before the environment and said the sinking of the ship would damage reefs and affect migrating fish.

Mr. Burgess refused to comment on whether the BIU could take industrial action over the incident.

Government accused the fishermen of being reckless and only raising their concerns at the eleventh hour. Environment Minister Irving Pearman said the sinking site was chosen after in-depth investigations.

When the Xing Da was scuttled it brought to an end a saga that began last summer when 83 Chinese migrants set sail in the hope of finding a new life in North America.

But they fell victim to an elaborate US sting operation that eventually led to the smashing of a ring involved in smuggling aliens in the country.

Last night no-one at the BIU was available for comment.