experiment in Bermuda.

And Captain Edwin B. Cross, Jr. is being sued by the company that hired him and his boat the Anna C .

Government invited Ignis Foods of the United Kingdom to help determine whether longline fishing could be a new offshore industry for Bermuda. But the experiment that began in April ended months early recently amid a financial dispute between Ignis and the Anna C .

The project, which was also intended to introduce Bermudians to longline fishing, found more swordfish than expected but few of the big-eye and blue-fin tuna that were sought.

Mr. Jason Payne of St. George's, who spent ten days aboard the US vessel with Capt. Cross, said the skipper "wasn't trying'' to land fish.

The boat was moving too fast to land the huge soft-mouthed fish that were sought, Mr. Payne told The Royal Gazette . "The crew would actually know there was a fish on the hook,'' but the speed of the Anna C would "rip the hook out of his mouth.'' On at least one occasion, only the head and jawbone of a large fish was landed as a result of Capt. Cross' speed, he said. "He just didn't seem like he was too enthusiastic about catching any fish,'' the 22-year-old said. "I could have done a better job myself.'' When large numbers of fish were landed in one area, the captain would "steam away 100 miles.'' Mr. Payne said he could only speculate on the captain's motives, but said: "I don't think that he really wanted, if there was fish here, for anyone else to know about it. Especially the locals, because then we would get it to ourselves.'' Bermuda Industrial Union fishing division president Mr. Danny Farias said he spoke to others who told similar stories after fishing on the Anna C .

Through his Bermuda lawyer Mr. Ian Kawaley, Capt. Cross declined comment on both the lawsuit and the allegations of Mr. Payne and Mr. Farias.

Mr. John Barnes, director of Fisheries, said he heard "discussion'' about the captain's methods. "Bearing in mind that most of the local fishermen going on board had no experience in longlining, in most cases they're not in a position to comment whether it's right, wrong, or indifferent,'' he said.

Mr. Barnes said he heard of the incident in which only the head of a large fish was landed. But Fisheries observers were aboard to assure the captain complied with conditions of his permit and avoided prohibited areas. They did not monitor his fishing methods, he said.

It is likely the captain received a percentage of the fish produced, and "I find it hard to believe that someone doesn't want to make any money,'' Mr.

Barnes said.

But it is possible the contract with Ignis specified a flat rate for Capt.

Cross, he said.

In any case, Government feels Ignis fulfilled its obligations, and "it's something we would try again,'' likely with the same firm.

The experiment failed in that it was cut short, but Government collected important data at no cost, he said.

In a writ filed in Supreme Court, Abbotsbury Ltd. is suing Capt. Cross, carrying on business as Clipper Marine Company.

Abbotsbury is the parent company of Ignis Foods.

Mr. Trevor Moniz, lawyer for Abbotsbury, said the company is seeking the return of an automatic direction finding receiver worth about $2,400, as well as about $5,000 in cash.

"Basically, the venture hasn't worked out, and my client says that under the contract they're entitled to certain items to be returned and certain monies to be refunded,'' Mr. Moniz said yesterday.