The UK Coastguard is co-ordinating a search for a crewman lost overboard from a fishing vessel this morning.
The crewman was reported to have fallen overboard and aMayday was broadcast at 0700 this morning from a position approximately 20 miles north-east of Orkney. UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopters based at Sumburgh and Stornoway have been searching the area.
‘Our helicopters, along with the fishing vessel, have been searching throughout the morning in very rough weather and challenging conditions,’ said UK Coastguard Commander Tris Newey said. ‘So far the missing man has not been located. The search is continuing.’
Naval units of several nations on a training exercise north of Scotland have also joined the search operation, with a French Dassault Falcon currently engaged with the search, and a US P8 Poseidon fixed wing aircraft is making its way to the search area, co-ordinated by the UK Coastguard.
