Search for missing fishermen scaled back
The
search for two missing fishermen in Loch Fyne has been scaled back pending
further information.
The
40ft fishing vessel the men were on capsized yesterday evening and despite the
brave efforts of those on scene to keep it afloat, it subsequently sank.
A
third crewman was able to raise the alarm to a passing vessel just after 6pm
yesterday before being taken to hospital.
Despite
an extensive and thorough shoreline, air and sea search involving the six
Coastguard Rescue Teams, the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based
at Prestwick, four RNLI Lifeboats, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police
Scotland and several local commercial vessels, the two missing fishermen have
not been found.
Julie-Anne
Wood, Head of Maritime Operations for HM Coastguard said: “Following an
intensive search over the past 24 hours, utilising the HM Coastguard
helicopter, RNLI Lifeboats, Coastguard Rescue Teams, other agencies and local
vessels, sadly we have been unable to locate the two missing fishermen. Our
thoughts are with all those involved.”
Insp
Julie McLeish, local area inspector, Police Scotland, said: "At this
time Police Scotland is supporting the search operation. We are in
regular contact with the missing men's families. It is a very distressing
time for them and the local community as a whole. The search will
continue until dark tonight and will resume again at first light
tomorrow.”
Paul
Daly, RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager said: “Our voluntary crews from
Tighnabruaich, Campbeltown and Arran stations carried out an exemplary job in
the sea search for the missing fishermen. Our boats were out for over twenty
hours as part of the combined rescue effort and the thoughts of our crews and
of the whole RNLI are with the families of the missing men.”