SEARCH FOR OVERDUE FISHING VESSEL OFF SOUTH DEVON COAST

A search is underway tonight for a fishing boat that has yet to return to Torquay.

Brixham Coastguard is coordinating the search for the 19ft fishing boat 'J.C.K.' which is red in colour with an outboard motor. It was due back at around 7pm this evening. It was last seen passing Thatcher Rock at approximately 6.25pm.

The following units are currently involved in the search; Torbay and Berry Head Coastguard Rescue Teams, Torbay RNLI all weather and inshore lifeboats, Exmouth and Teignmouth RNLI lifeboats, the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Portland, and the search and rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose. There are another three vessels in the area currently assisting.

The weather conditions this evening have been gale force, south westerly winds 24 mph gusting 58 mph.

Peter Davies, Rescue Centre Manager at Brixham Coastguard, said:

“We are currently carrying out an extensive land, air and sea search. We are doing everything we can to locate 'J.C.K.', which has one person on board."


UPDATE: 11:50pm

Search still ongoing.

UPDATE: 05:05am

Search stood down at around midnight after a body was recovered from water by the Exmouth RNLI lifeboat. Police now dealing.

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