Coastguard coordinate search after brief distress message
The UK Coastguard is currently coordinating
the search for a vessel which may be in distress and taking water somewhere in
the Newhaven area.
The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Lee on
Solent, Newhaven RNLI Lifeboat and Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Team are all
searching for signs of the missing vessel and are being supported by
Newhaven NCI. The
Coastguard has also broadcast a message requesting further information from all
shipping.
Jonathan Mustard, Maritime
Operations Specialist for UK Coastguard said:
“We received a broken message via VHF radio
this afternoon at about 2.30 pm that a vessel needed assistance because it had
a hole in its side and was taking water. Since that time we have had no further
communication with the vessel.
“If members of the public think that they may
have further information about the vessel involved they should contact the
Coastguard on 02392 552100.”