A FRANTIC search for passengers has been launched after debris from a suspected pleasure boat was spotted off the UK coast.
The alarm was raised around 8.45 on Thursday morning after parts of a vessel were spotted in waters off the coast of Hastings.
PAThe alarm was raised around 8.45 on Thursday morning[/caption]
The RNLI all-weather lifeboat and Border Force vessel Seeker, from Dover, are at the scene.
Ship Finnish minelayer FNS Uusimma, which was on its way to Cadiz in Spain, is also helping with efforts.
The coastguard helicopter is flying overhead as it searches further north of the Hastings area.
It is not yet clear what ship the debris is from and how many passengers are missing.
A spokesman for the coastguard said: “HM Coastguard is coordinating the response to a report of parts of a vessel found in waters south of Hastings.
“A HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft have been sent, as well as the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat from Hastings.
“Nearby vessels are also assisting.”
This is a developing story. More to follow…