Rescue operations are continuing through the night for a vessel in distress in the English Channel carrying five people, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has confirmed. The emergency response was launched on Saturday evening in waters south-west of the Eddystone Lighthouse, off the coast of Plymouth.
The search effort involves a coastguard helicopter and aircraft, alongside RNLI lifeboats dispatched from Plymouth and Falmouth. These teams are being supported by several civilian vessels, with maritime monitoring data from Marine Traffic indicating that a number of French fishing boats are assisting in the area. Flight tracking data shows a HM Coastguard aircraft patrolling the vicinity as well.
Approximately a dozen vessels were observed clustered in the search zone during the early hours of Sunday. Officials have not yet disclosed the specific type of boat involved or the exact nature of the emergency.
The Met Office has warned of challenging conditions, forecasting moderate to rough seas throughout the night. Weather reports also indicate that visibility may deteriorate at times, with thundery showers expected to impact the region as the search continues. The report also notes that according to Flight Radar, a HM Coastguard aircraft has been flying over the same area.
