A multi-agency search has been suspended by the Coastguard after a fishing vessel sank off the coast of Plymouth on Saturday (August 29). Two people are still missing.
HM Coastguard had been searching south-west of Eddystone Lighthouse for more than 24 hours. The search has now been stood down, with two people still unaccounted for.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said on Sunday evening (August 30): "The intensive multi-agency search for two people missing from a French-registered fishing vessel which sank last night (29 August), south-west of the Eddystone Lighthouse, has been suspended pending further information. Three people were rescued and are currently travelling back to France."
The distress call was first received shortly after 6pm on Saturday evening. A coastguard rescue helicopter and a fixed wing aircraft were sent to the scene, along with RNLI lifeboats from Falmouth and Plymouth.
The intensive search continued overnight, and three people were rescued from the French-registered fishing vessel. They were taken to hospital for further care and are now returning to France.
For the latest updates on this incident, follow our live blog here.
French authorities said the stricken fishing vessel is called The Maranello. It had contacted another trawler, The Stradale, to say it had a problem with its fishing gear. The Stradale managed to recover three of the five crew members on Saturday before the Maranello sank, the French naval prefecture for the Atlantic added.
Search Suspended for Two Missing After Vessel Sinks Off Plymouth