Two missing after major rescue mission launched to save boat ‘in distress’ in Channel

A helicopter has been dispatched as rescue teams for two missing people in the English Channel.

They are among the five people who were in a boat in the body of water when it was reported to be ‘in distress’ shortly after 6pm on Saturday.

In addition to the coastguard rescue helicopter, a fixed wing plane and two RNLI lifeboats were dispatched and began searching an area south-west of Eddystone Lighthouse off the Cornish coast, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.

The agency said 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.’

In an update early on Sunday, HM Coastguard in Falmouth said three people aboard the vessel had now been accounted for, while two remained missing.

No further information was given about the type of vessel involved or what had 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 this morning. Flight Radar showed an HM Coastguard aircraft flying over the same area.

A spokesperson said on Sunday morning that their rescue efforts had carried on overnight. 
‘It is continuing today with multiple assets sent to help,’ they added.

Lifeboat crews from Newlyn and Salcombe this morning took over the search from the Plymouth and Falmouth RNLI crews after the latter worked through the night to find the missing people.

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 last night and visibility was expected to be affected.