PLEASE FIND THEM: TWO STILL MISSING AFTER BOAT CARRYING FIVE GETS INTO DISTRESS IN ENGLISH CHANNEL — MASSIVE RESCUE MISSION LAUNCHED AS THREE ARE FOUND, BUT TWO PEOPLE REMAIN UNACCOUNTED FOR AND FAMILIES FACE A TERRIFYING WAIT FOR ANSWERS
TWO people remain missing after a boat got into distress in the English Channel.
A huge rescue effort continued through the night, with more than 15 lifeboats and a French warship drafted in after the vessel carrying five people got to into trouble off the coast of Plymouth, Devon, yesterday evening.
Two casualties have been brought ashore at Plymouth Lifeboat StationCredit: Seamus McCoy
The search efforts are continuingCredit: Seamus McCoy
A coastguard helicopter, fixed wing aircraft and two RNLI lifeboats began the “extensive search” near Eddystone lighthouse around 6pm on Saturday night.
A large number of civilian boats, including fishing vessels have also joined the efforts.
HM Coastguard in Falmouth, Cornwall, confirmed that three of the five people aboard the vessel had been accounted for.
But they didn’t reveal any details about the boat or the nature of the emergency.
The casualties were subsequently taken by land ambulance to Derriford HospitalCredit: Seamus McCoy
A major search and rescue operation remains ongoing at sea for further casualtiesCredit: Seamus McCoy
However, local reports suggest it was a French fishing vessel.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed last night: “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.
“The incident is ongoing and there is no further information at this time.”
