Coastguard helicopters from both sides of the channel and an RNLI lifeboat are searching for a French fisherman in an incident coordinated by Solent Coastguard.
Solent Coastguard was contacted by Griz Nez (the French Coastguard) at just before 9.00 am this morning to report that a French fishing vessel was going aground near Worthing and that one of the three crew had fallen overboard. The missing fisherman was last seen at 3.00 am fishing just inside British waters.
A few minutes later, the fishing vessel went aground. Solent Coastguard scrambled the Coastguard rescue helicopter 104 from Lee on Solent and requested the Shoreham lifeboat to launch. The French Coastguard also scambled their own helicopter. A broadcast has been made to all shipping requesting that vessels keep a look out for the missing man. A fisheries protection vessel has joined the search
Solent Coastguard Watch Manager Dave Williams says:
We are very concerned for the safety of this man. The French Coastguard have been helping us with communication since none of the crew speak English. The vessel is a wooden scallop dredger, Ocecas Valou.
