A search for two missing crew members has been officially concluded after a French fishing boat sank in the English Channel, though three other people were safely rescued.
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) spokesperson said on Monday morning that despite “extensive and intensive” searches since Saturday night, “no trace” of the missing crew members has been found.
The MCA added: “Based on all the information available and the known limits of human survivability in the water temperature, the decision has been taken this morning that the coastguard element of the search for the two missing fishermen has now been officially concluded.
“We would like to thank all those involved in the operation for their efforts. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the missing people.”
The three crew members who were saved and taken to hospital on Saturday are now in the process of travelling back to France.
An intensive search south-west of Eddystone Lighthouse, just off the coast of Plymouth, was launched after a distress call was broadcast from the vessel on Saturday evening.
French authorities confirmed the stricken fishing vessel was named The Maranello, adding that it had reached out to a second trawler, The Stradale, to report an issue with its fishing gear.
The Stradale managed to recover three of the five crew members before the Maranello sank, the French naval prefecture for the Atlantic added.
One of the rescued sailors was evacuated by helicopter and is being treated at Truro Hospital, while the others were taken to Plymouth for medical attention.
Earlier, an MCA spokesman said: “HM Coastguard maintained the intensive search during the night and it is continuing today with multiple assets sent to help with the search.
“Three people were rescued last evening from the French-registered fishing vessel which had made the call for help.
“They were taken to hospital for further care.”
The MCA also confirmed that “the vessel has sunk”.
A coastguard rescue helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft plus RNLI lifeboats from Falmouth and Plymouth were among the vessels scrambled to the scene.
Local vessels have also been helping with the British-led search-and-rescue operation.
The MCA was alerted by a report about the vessel just after 6pm on Saturday.
The French Navy’s Falcon 50 was also deployed to assist.
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Search for two missing crew after boat sinks in English Channel
