A rescue operation is under way for a boat carrying five people that has been declared "in distress" in the English Channel, south west of Eddystone Lighthouse and off Plymouth, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has confirmed.
The alert was raised following a report about the vessel shortly after 6pm on Saturday. A coastguard rescue helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft and RNLI lifeboats from Falmouth and Plymouth have been dispatched to the scene, with local vessels also assisting.
Coastguard statement
In an official statement, the MCA said: "HM Coastguard is co-ordinating the response to a report of a vessel in distress with five people on board, south west of Eddystone Lighthouse."
It further stated: "A coastguard rescue helicopter and a fixed wing aircraft have been sent, together with RNLI lifeboats from Falmouth and Plymouth. Local vessels are also assisting."
No further details yet
No further details are currently available regarding the vessel or the nature of the emergency. The MCA added: "The incident is ongoing and there is no further information at this time."
