Two people are missing after a major rescue operation was launched for a boat reported to be 'in distress' in the English Channel. The vessel had five people on board when the alert was raised shortly after 6pm on Saturday, south-west of Eddystone Lighthouse off the Cornish coast.
Coastguard coordinates search
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said a coastguard rescue helicopter, a fixed wing aircraft and RNLI lifeboats from Falmouth and Plymouth were dispatched to the area. Local vessels were also assisting with the search.
In a statement, the agency 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. 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.'
Three accounted for, two still missing
In an update early on Sunday, HM Coastguard in Falmouth said three people aboard the vessel had been accounted for, while two remained missing. No further information was given about the type of vessel involved or what caused the emergency.
The coastguard added that a large number of civilian vessels, including French fishing boats, were helping with the 'intensive search'. About a dozen boats were in an area off the coast of Plymouth early on Sunday morning, and Flight Radar showed an HM Coastguard aircraft flying over the same area.
Search continues overnight
A spokesperson said rescue efforts had carried on overnight and were continuing on Sunday with multiple assets sent to help. Lifeboat crews from Newlyn and Salcombe took over the search from the Plymouth and Falmouth RNLI crews, who had worked through the night.
The area has been hit by moderate to rough weather conditions as the UK's unusually hot, dry summer gives way to storms. Thundery showers were forecast for Saturday night and visibility was expected to be affected.
