The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has officially concluded its search for two fishermen who went missing after a French fishing boat sank in the English Channel, saying no trace of the crew had been found.
A spokesperson for the MCA said this morning that despite “extensive and intensive” searches since Saturday night, “no trace” of the missing crew members has been found.
Search officially concluded
The MCA added: “Based on all the information available and the known limits of human survivability in the water temperature, the decision has been taken this morning that the coastguard element of the search for the two missing fishermen has now been officially concluded.
“We would like to thank all those involved in the operation for their efforts. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the missing people.”
Vessel sank after fishing gear problem
A search south-west of Eddystone Lighthouse and just off Plymouth had been under way since a distress call was made from the troubled boat on Saturday evening.
The French authorities said the stricken fishing vessel is called The Maranello, and it had contacted another trawler – The Stradale – to say it had a problem with its fishing gear.
The Stradale managed to recover three of the five crew members before the Maranello sank, the French naval prefecture for the Atlantic added.
Rescue operation details
In an update provided on Sunday evening, the MCA said the three rescued people were travelling back to France. The agency had earlier confirmed the “vessel had sunk”.
A coastguard rescue helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft plus RNLI lifeboats from Falmouth and Plymouth were among the vessels that scrambled to the scene. Local vessels were also helping with the British-led search-and-rescue operation. The MCA was alerted by a report about the vessel just after 6pm on Saturday. The French Navy’s Falcon 50 was also deployed to assist.
